Restriction on Awami League's political activities sought

A writ petition was submitted to the High Court on Monday, seeking restrictions on political activities of the ousted Awami League (AL), while not seeking a blanket ban on the party itself.

Coordinators Hasnat Abdullah and Sarjis Alam of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement filed the petition with the relevant section of the High Court.

An HC bench, comprising Justice Fatema Nazib and Justice Sikdar Md Mahmudur Rajib, is expected to hear the petition shortly. Advocate Ahsanul Karim, who represented the petitioners, said that the writ aims to prevent AL leaders from engaging in political activities.

He said that the move is intended to uphold public interest amid ongoing political developments. This latest petition follows a prior application filed in August, which called for a full ban on the AL but it was subsequently rejected by a High Court dual bench headed by Justice AKM Asaduzzaman on September 1.

On October 23, the interim government imposed a ban on AL’s student wing, the Bangladesh Chhatra League, citing provisions of the Anti-Terrorism Act.

Formed on June 23, 1949, the Awami League has been facing mounting challenges after its President and former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina left the country following a student-led uprising on August 5.