Student wing of Sheikh Hasina’s party banned following violent protests
Activists of the Anti-Discriminatory Student Movement gather at the University of Dhaka's Teacher Student Center (TSC), demanding the capital punishment for Bangladeshi former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for the deaths of students during anti-quota protests, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, August 13, 2024. PHOTO: REUTERS
Bangladesh banned the student wing of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina's party on Thursday, citing its role in violent attacks during student protests that led to the ousting of the autocratic leader in August.
“The Bangladesh government has banned the Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) — the student wing of the Bangladesh Awami League — under the Anti-Terrorism Act,” an official statement said on Wednesday.
According to the notification, the Chhatra League has been involved in activities disrupting public safety over the past 15 years, during the Awami League’s rule.
There have been numerous allegations against BCL leaders and activists, including accusations of murder, rape, attacks, and extortion during the Awami League's last three terms in government.
The organisation has also been accused of setting up "torture rooms" in various halls of public universities across the country to target general students.
Allegations of extortion within the Chhatra League are longstanding, with the most recent accusations surfacing during the July uprising.
The notification further states there is sufficient evidence that BCL continued its involvement in conspiracies, destructive activities, and terrorist acts, even after the Awami League’s fall from power on August 5.
As a result, the interim government imposed a ban on the Bangladesh Chhatra League under Section 18(1) of the Anti-Terrorism Act 2009.