Govt approves draft Anti-Terrorism Ordinance allowing ban on individuals, entities

NN Online:

The Advisory Council has given both in-principle and final approval to the draft of the Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025, which includes provisions to ban individuals or entities involved in terrorist activities.

The decision was made during a meeting of the Advisory Council held on Sunday at the State Guest House Jamuna, chaired by Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus.

According to a summary of the meeting, the Anti-Terrorism Act, 2009 was originally enacted to prevent specific terrorist activities and ensure their effective prosecution. However, the existing law lacks clear provisions for banning the activities of any individual or entity involved in terrorism.

Under the proposed amendment, the government will be empowered to list any person or organization suspected of engaging in terrorism in the official schedule through a notification in the Official Gazette. It would also enable the formal banning of such entities based on reasonable grounds.

The Advisory Council deemed it necessary to update the law to make it more comprehensive and responsive to current threats.
“It is appropriate and necessary to amend the Anti-Terrorism Act, 2009, to clarify and include provisions for banning terrorist activities by individuals or entities,” the council noted.

The ordinance is expected to be officially issued as early as Monday.