AL now officially outlawed under new anti-terror provisions
Staff Reporter :
President Mohammed Shahabuddin has promulgated an ordinance amending the Anti-Terrorism Act 2009, introducing strict restrictions on publicity related to individuals or entities prosecuted under the legislation.
The changes, which came into effect following a gazette notification published on Sunday night, prohibit any form of support or promotion through press statements, social media, or public gatherings for those facing action under the Act.
The legislative move follows a recent amendment to the International Crimes (Tribunals) Act, 1973, allowing for the prosecution of political organisations, including the Awami League (AL), on charges of genocide and crimes against humanity.
The ordinance follows the approval of the draft amendments at a recent meeting of the Advisory Council, chaired by Chief Adviser Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus.
According to officials, the revisions are intended to modernise the law and close existing loopholes regarding the activities and promotion of banned organisations or individuals linked to terrorism.
The notice outlines that all operations, including publications, media engagements, online and social media campaigns, processions, meetings, public gatherings, and conferences by the AL and its associate organisations, are strictly prohibited until the International Crimes Tribunal completes their trials. The directive takes immediate effect.
A key amendment to Section 20 of the law significantly broadens the scope of the restrictions.
The original reference to “listed individuals or banned entities” has been replaced with the more general phrase “any individual or entity against whom action has been taken under sub-section (1) of Section 18.” This change aims to prevent any form of public sympathy or mobilisation in support of those designated under the Act.
The updated law also formally introduces provisions to ban the activities of such individuals or groups, marking a legal shift from the previous legislation, which lacked explicit authority to do so.
In a statement released by the CA Press Wing on Sunday, officials explained that the amendments were deemed necessary to “make the Anti-Terrorism Act more timely and effective.”
The statement further clarified that the government may, based on reasonable grounds, issue a notification in the official gazette to list any person or entity involved in terrorist activities or declare them banned.
In light of growing public demonstrations calling for the banning of the Awami League, the interim government held an emergency meeting on Saturday night (10 May), during which the Advisory Council decided to proceed with legal action against the party under anti-terror legislation.
The ordinance is expected to significantly influence political discourse and digital expression, as it grants the state expanded authority to suppress supportive narratives or protests related to individuals or entities under investigation or prosecution.
The full impact of these amendments will unfold in the coming weeks as authorities begin implementing the new provisions.