Awami League Activities Banned Amid Tribunal Charges and Social Media Crackdown

Speaking in a series of graphic posts published Monday from the verified Facebook account of the Adviser for Local Government, Rural Development, and Cooperatives, Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, a stern message was issued stating, “Arrest for supporting Awami League on Facebook or YouTube.” One of the visuals displayed the Awami League’s logo marked with a ban symbol alongside the caption: “Arrest for speaking in favor of the Awami League on Facebook and YouTube.”

Another graphic card warned, “There’s no escape if you conspire against the country! Legal actions may be taken for secret meetings, provocative rallies, or posts.”

Roughly an hour later, a separate post stated, “The International Crimes Tribunal's investigation agency has submitted a report in a genocide case against deposed Sheikh Hasina and two others. The report was submitted to the Tribunal’s prosecution office on Monday. On October 17, an arrest warrant was issued by the Tribunal against Sheikh Hasina in connection with the alleged genocide during the suppression of the anti-discrimination student movement.” In the attached image, Sheikh Hasina’s eyes were obscured in red ink.

This comes in the wake of Saturday’s (May 10) announcement from the interim government banning all activities of the Awami League following widespread protests by students, citizens, and various political groups.

At 11 p.m. that night, an emergency meeting was convened by Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus, where the decision was made. Speaking to reporters following the meeting, Law Adviser Asif Nazrul said, “A special session of the advisory council approved amendments to the International Crimes Tribunal, which now empowers it to penalize any political party, its affiliated bodies, or its supporters.”

He further stated, “Until the trials of the Bangladesh Awami League and its leaders at the International Crimes Tribunal are concluded, all activities of the party—both physical and digital—are suspended under the Anti-Terrorism Act to safeguard national security, sovereignty, the safety of July movement activists, and the protection of plaintiffs and witnesses in the Tribunal.”

A formal circular regarding the ban is expected to be issued on the next working day.