Bangladesh: Student Group Sets Ultimatum for Awami League Ban Under Yunus Administration
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Synopsis
The Student Against Discrimination (SAD) demands an immediate ban on the Awami League within 24 hours. This comes despite UN recommendations against such actions aimed at maintaining multiparty democracy in Bangladesh.
Key Takeaways
- SAD demands a ban on Awami League.
- UN warns against banning political parties.
- Interim government has a controversial past with BCL.
- Political instability marked by protests and violence.
- Violence and influence of student groups in politics.
Dhaka, Feb 13 (NationPress) Student Against Discrimination (SAD), the organization responsible for the widespread protests and unrest in Bangladesh during July and August 2024 that resulted in the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, is now vocally pressing for a prohibition on the Awami League.
On Thursday, student leaders reiterated their call to outlaw Hasina's party, insisting on action within a 24-hour timeline, as reported by local media.
This development emerges amidst a backdrop where the United Nations has explicitly advised the interim government in Bangladesh against implementing bans on any political party, emphasizing the need for preserving a multiparty democracy.
"Avoid imposing bans on political parties that could jeopardize the restoration of a true multiparty democracy and disenfranchise a significant portion of the Bangladeshi electorate," stated a fact-finding report from the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).
In October, the interim government, under Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus, had prohibited the Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL), the student arm of Awami League, citing its alleged involvement in murder, torture, rape, and terrorism, which was perceived as a precursor to banning the main organization.
Following the fall of Hasina's government in August 2024, the same interim administration promptly lifted the ban on the radical Islamic party Jamaat-e-Islami and its student wing Islami Chhatra Shibir.
In December, Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin stated during a meeting with election officials at the Chittagong Circuit House that the Awami League can take part in elections unless a ban is imposed by the government or judiciary.
The student organization is known for its violent tactics and possesses considerable influence over the current regime.
