Parliament passes bill outlawing AL activity

Parliament Wednesday passed a bill effectively outlawing activity of the former ruling-party Awami League which has been in the wilderness since its government's fall in the 2024 uprising.
The Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Act 2026, based on the Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Ordinance 2025 issued on May 11, 2025 by the interim government led by Professor Muhammad Yunus, was passed by voice vote sans much debate.
The interim administration enforced those provisions to suspend the embroiled Awami League's activity. Its student wing, the Bangladesh Chhatra League, was banned in October 2024.
The ordinance introduced powers to restrict activities such as rallies, meetings, publications and online campaigning by designated entities.
Through the passage of the bill, the ordinance is enacted into a law, meaning that the ban on AL function sustains.
Under clause 3 of the amendment, any form of communication or mobilisation in support of a banned entity -- including press statements, media publications, social-media activity, public gatherings and speeches -- is "prohibited".
Presenting the bill in parliament, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said the amendment was necessary to address what he described as gaps in the existing legislation and to reflect public demand.
"The law strengthens government's ability to act against organisations accused of involvement in terrorism," he argues, adding that Awami League's registration remains suspended under the revised framework.
During the passage of the bill, Leader of the Opposition Dr Shafiqur Rahman said members had received the bill only minutes before the vote and not been given sufficient time to review this "sensitive" legislation.
He urged delay in getting the bill through parliament.
Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed rejected the request. "Objections should have been raised earlier in accordance with parliamentary procedure," he reminds.
Following a brief exchange, the bill was put to voice -- passed by overwhelming 'ayes'.
The new government says the amendment is intended to strengthen legal tools to combat terrorism and regulate organisations deemed to pose security threats.
Critics, however, are likely to question both the process and the broader implications for political activity and dissent in the country.

mirmostafiz@yahoo.com