Ousted PM and Awami League chief Sheikh Hasina. Photo: PID Bangladesh
Six international human rights organisations have urged Bangladesh’s interim government to lift the ban on ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League party, media reports said.
The groups — CIVICUS, Committee to Protect Journalists, Fortify Rights, Human Rights Watch, Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights, and Tech Global Institute — sent a joint letter to interim government chief Muhammad Yunus, calling for the prevention of further human rights violations in the country.
Earlier this year, the Bangladesh Election Commission suspended the registration of Hasina’s Awami League, effectively barring the party from contesting the next general elections.
The interim government, which assumed power following Hasina’s exit amid nationwide protests over the anti-job quota issue, had imposed the ban under the Anti-Terrorism Act. All activities of the party remain suspended until the International Crimes Tribunal completes its trial of party leaders.
Formed in 1971, the Awami League is historically credited with playing a central role in Bangladesh’s freedom struggle.
The interim government’s move comes amid ongoing public protests in Bangladesh, with demonstrators demanding action against the Awami League.