POBNEWS24, Dhaka May 11, 2025 : The government will issue the Anti-Terrorism Ordinance 2025 from Monday to not only ban the Awami League but also prevent it from carrying out political activities. The Advisory Council has given in-principle and final approval to the draft of the Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025, which includes provisions to ban individuals or entities involved in terrorist activities and their activities.
The draft was approved at a meeting of the Advisory Council held at the State Guest House Jamuna on Sunday (May 11) under the chairmanship of Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus.
The government’s Advisory Council, in response to the demands of various political parties, including the National Civic Committee (NCP), on Saturday (May 10) decided to ban the party’s activities to expedite the trial of various crimes including genocide committed by the previous Awami League government. But there was no specific provision to issue an ordinance banning any entity (party and organization).
The draft of the Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025 was finally approved by the Advisory Council meeting with that provision.
The summary of the Advisory Council meeting said, ‘The Anti-Terrorism Act, 2009 was enacted to make provisions for the prevention of certain terrorist acts and for their effective punishment and for incidental matters. For the purpose of fulfilling the objectives of the said Act, the Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, on the basis of reasonable grounds that any person or entity is involved in terrorist acts, list that person in the Schedule or declare the entity banned and list it in the Schedule.
However, there is no provision in the present Act regarding the banning of the activities of any entity. Since it is necessary to clarify the matter and add provisions, it is expedient and necessary to further amend the said Act by making the Anti-Terrorism Act, 2009 timely.’
