Interim govt backtracks from provision to ban political parties
NN Online:
Law Advisor to the Interim Government Dr Asif Nazrul has confirmed that the International Crimes (Tribunal) Law will not include any provision to ban political parties.
He made the announcement during a press conference held at the Foreign Service Academy in the capital on Wednesday. He said, “The interim government had decided not to include any provision in the International Crimes (Tribunal) Law that would ban political parties.”
The advisor further explained, “The draft of the ‘International Crimes (Tribunals) (Amendment) Ordinance, 2024’ must be approved by the Advisory Council. We have proposed giving the court direct authority to recommend punishment for political parties involved in criminal activities.”
Dr Asif added that the draft of the “International Crimes (Tribunals) (Amendment) Ordinance 2024” includes a provision allowing the court, if deemed necessary, to recommend to the concerned authority the imposition of punitive measures against a political party.”
He clarified that as the “concerned authority,” the court could recommend actions to the Ministry of Home Affairs and the election commission. However, he also pointed out that such provisions are not included in the draft of the ordinance.
Dr Asif further emphasised that after discussions in the advisory council, the decision was made to avoid linking the trial to unrelated issues.
He said, “Raising the question of banning political parties or organisations could undermine the legitimacy of the law. To prevent this, the provision has been removed, ensuring that the trial will be conducted in a fair and just manner.”