Bangladesh bans ‘militant and terrorist’ party following violent protests
- Bangladesh banned the Jamaat-e-Islami party, its student wing and other associate bodies for inciting violence during recent student protests
Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her political partners blamed Jamaat-e-Islami, its Islami Chhatra Shibir student wing and other associate bodies for inciting violence during recent student protests over a quota system for government jobs.
In an official circular seen by The Associated Press, Bangladesh’s Ministry of Home Affairs said Thursday the ban was imposed under an anti-terrorism law.
Since July 15, at least 211 people have died and more than 10,000 people were arrested across the country.
Bangladesh Jamaat-e Islami was banned from taking part in the three national elections since 2014 after the Election Commission cancelled its registration.
In 2013, the High Court disqualified the party from elections, saying that its constitution violated the national constitution by opposing secularism. However, it was not barred from conducting political activities such as holding meetings, rallies and making statements.