Court to decide AL’s fate

Prime Minister’s Information and Broadcasting Adviser Dr Zahed Ur Rahman on Tuesday said the final decision on whether the Awami League (AL) will be formally banned as a political party rests with the International Crimes Tribunal.

Speaking at a weekly press briefing at the Department of Information in Dhaka, Zahed said the tribunal would determine the party’s future after completing proceedings over allegations of crimes against humanity. “The decision on the Awami League will be taken by the International Crimes Tribunal,” he told reporters.

He said the Awami League’s political activities would remain suspended under the Anti-Terrorism Act while the judicial process continues.

“If the party tries to take to the streets with any programme, it will be a violation of the law and the government will take necessary action,” he said.

Zahed said all political parties must operate within democratic norms and legal frameworks, adding that public support alone does not grant any party unrestricted authority to conduct political activities if it violates fundamental legal principles.

He said the government would accept whatever verdict is delivered through the judicial process.
The government suspended all activities of the Awami League and its affiliated organisations in May 2025 under the amended Anti-Terrorism Act pending the completion of proceedings against the party and its leaders at the International Crimes Tribunal.

The adviser reiterated that the issue would be resolved through legal and judicial channels rather than through executive action.