A recent report has sparked international concern over the political climate in Bangladesh following the abrupt banning of the Awami League, one of the country’s oldest and most influential political parties. The move, enacted under a newly amended anti-terrorism law, has drawn criticism from India and other global observers for allegedly bypassing proper legal procedures and threatening democratic norms.

India Voices Concern Over Democratic Backsliding

India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) expressed its unease regarding the decision. Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized that banning a major political entity without due legal process is “deeply troubling.” As a neighboring democracy, India is “especially concerned about the shrinking space for political participation and the suppression of democratic freedoms” in Bangladesh. India also called on Dhaka to ensure that future elections are “free, fair, and inclusive.”

India’s response came shortly after it concluded Operation Sindoor, a sweeping counterterrorism initiative launched on May 7 targeting Pakistan-backed terror infrastructure.

Legal Grounds and Government Justification

On Monday, retired Lt. Gen. Jahangir Alam, Bangladesh’s home affairs adviser, confirmed that a gazette notification had officially outlawed the Awami League and its affiliates under the revised Anti-Terrorism Act of 2025. The changes, particularly Section 18 of the new law, grant the government broader authority to declare political groups as terrorist entities—a provision absent from the original 2009 legislation.

Officials stated that the ban will remain in place until the International Crimes Tribunal of Bangladesh completes trials against senior Awami League leaders. In tandem with the ban, the Election Commission has revoked the party’s registration, effectively barring it from participating in future electoral contests.

A Controversial Political Crackdown

This legal and political crackdown comes amid the fallout from massive student-led protests in 2024, which led to the collapse of Sheikh Hasina’s government after 16 consecutive years in power. The former prime minister and several top leaders are now facing charges of crimes against humanity, including mass killings and enforced disappearances, related to their response to the protests.

The United Nations has reported that over 1,400 people were killed between July 15 and August 15, 2024—many believed to have died in retaliatory attacks involving Awami League supporters and state security forces.

Interim Government Tightens Control

The interim administration, led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus, has escalated restrictions by banning all Awami League activities, both offline and online, citing national security and public safety under the new anti-terror provisions. The government insists that these actions are essential for restoring peace and justice.

Historical Context and Global Implications

Founded in 1949, the Awami League has been a cornerstone of Bangladeshi politics and a key force in the country’s 1971 war of independence. The ban marks an unprecedented chapter in the nation’s post-independence history and threatens to deepen political polarization.

International observers and human rights organizations have warned that these developments could further erode civil liberties and destabilize Bangladesh’s fragile democratic institutions. As the world watches closely, calls for transparency, accountability, and adherence to democratic norms are growing louder.

Whether these measures mark a genuine pursuit of justice or a veiled political purge remains a topic of intense debate both within and outside Bangladesh.