Court to Decide Awami League Future as Ban Stays in Force

Prime Minister's Information and Broadcasting Adviser Dr Zahed Ur Rahman on Tuesday said the decision on whether the Awami League will be permanently banned as a political party rests with the courts and the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT), while stressing that its political activities will remain prohibited until the ongoing judicial process is completed.

Speaking at the weekly press briefing at the Press Information Department (PID) conference room in Dhaka on Tuesday, Zahed said the question of banning the party is a matter for the courts and cannot be determined by the executive branch alone.

“Whether the Awami League will be banned as a political party is entirely within the jurisdiction of the court and the International Crimes Tribunal,” he said while responding to questions from journalists.

The adviser emphasized that proceedings relating to allegations of crimes against humanity connected to the July-August events are still under judicial consideration. Until those proceedings reach a conclusion, he said, the party is barred from conducting political programmes or organizational activities in public.

He warned that any attempt by the party to organize rallies, meetings or other field-level activities before the completion of the trial process would be treated as a violation of the law and would invite government action.

Clarifying the government's position, Zahed said the administration considers the ongoing restrictions legally binding while the judicial process continues. “Until the trial is over, all activities of the party will remain banned,” he said.

Responding to another question, he reiterated that determining whether the organization as a whole was involved in crimes against humanity is a matter for the ICT and the courts to decide based on evidence and due process.

The adviser also said the government is prepared to take strict measures if any prohibited political programme is organized in violation of the existing restrictions.

Commenting on the party’s current political standing, Zahed expressed his personal view that the Awami League lacks the public support and moral authority to mobilize significant activities. He alleged that although the party may possess considerable financial resources, it does not have the capacity to mount large-scale political programmes under the present circumstances.

He further stated that security arrangements have been strengthened in districts considered sensitive by the government. According to him, the deployment of army personnel in those areas is intended to prevent any potential acts of sabotage or violence and to maintain public order.

“The government has taken these steps entirely in the interest of public safety,” he said, adding that the measures should not be interpreted as an indication that the party poses a major organizational threat.

Addressing broader democratic principles, Zahed noted that political parties operating in a democratic system must themselves adhere to democratic norms and remain accountable under the law. He stressed that allegations concerning crimes against humanity must be examined through an independent judicial process rather than political debate.

“As citizens of a civilized country, we all have to accept the verdict that the court ultimately delivers,” he said.

The adviser also commented on the participation of former Awami League members in upcoming local government elections, which are expected to begin around September or October. Since the polls will be conducted on a non-partisan basis without party symbols, he said, individuals who previously belonged to the party may contest as independent candidates provided they are not accused in criminal cases or otherwise disqualified under the law.

However, he made it clear that candidates would not be permitted to campaign under the Awami League banner or use party slogans or organizational platforms during the elections.

Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Md Yasin and Principal Information Officer Syed Abdal Ahmed were also present at the briefing.