New Delhi voices concern over ban on Bangladesh’s Awami League

New Delhi, May 13: New Delhi has expressed concern over the banning of Bangladesh’s Awami League, calling it a troubling development for democracy in the neighbouring country. Reacting to the decision of the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government in Dhaka to outlaw all activities of the Awami League, Bangladesh’s oldest political party and the political home of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on Monday: “The ban on the Awami League without due process is a concerning development.

As a democracy, India is naturally concerned at curtailment of democratic freedoms and shrinking political space. We strongly support the early holding of free, fair and inclusive elections in Bangladesh.”

Bangladesh’s home ministry has issued a gazette notification invoking Section 18 of the newly amended Anti-Terrorism Act to impose a blanket ban on the Awami League and all its affiliated organisations. The government cited “reasonable grounds” that the party and its network were involved in acts of terrorism. Media reported that the amendment, fast-tracked last week, now allows the state to designate any “entity,”not just individuals as terrorist if sufficient grounds exist.

According to the gazette, the ban will remain in place until the International Crimes Tribunal of Bangladesh completes trials of Awami League members and supporters accused of crimes against humanity during the anti-government protests last year.

The media reported that the government further escalated the crackdown over the weekend. On Saturday, it prohibited all Awami League activities, including online engagement, press briefings, and public rallies. Just a day later, President Mohammed Shahabuddin signed an ordinance reinforcing the restrictions by outlawing all forms of publicity or expression of support for anyone charged under the newly expanded anti-terror law.

The Awami League has strongly condemned the ban, rejecting the charges as politically motivated and vowing to continue its activities “in an appropriate manner.” New Delhi is watching developments closely, amid concerns that the ban may deepen political instability and threaten the democratic framework that has underpinned India-Bangladesh ties in recent years.