The interim government of Bangladesh has suspended the country's Bangladesh Chatra League, the student arm of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's party Awami League, following a demand by a student group that had spearheaded the July-August uprising under the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2009.
The Bangladesh Home Ministry, in an official notification, said the government banned under the powers provided in sub-section (1) of Section 18 of the "Anti-Terrorism Act 2009" the Bangladesh Awami League's fraternal organisation "Bangladesh Chatra League".
"At various times since Bangladesh gained independence, particularly in the past 15 years of the regime of dictatorship, the Bangladesh Chatra League, the sister organisation of the Bangladesh Awami League, has been involved in a number of public security-related activities such as killings, torture, harassments in dormitories, trade of seats in dormitories, gangs, rape, and sexual harassment," an order issued by Bangladesh Home Ministry said.
Earlier on Tuesday, the Anti-discrimination Student Movement, whose spearheads led the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, announced five-point demands, which included the resignation of Bangladesh President, Mohammed Shahabuddin.
The other demands included the banning of the Bangladesh Chatra League, student wing of the ruling Awami League.
"Documentary information regarding these have been published in all the major media of the country and some terrorist incidents, the leaders and workers of the organisation have also been proved in the criminal court," the order issued on Wednesday evening said.
According to official orders, Bangladesh Chatra League leaders attacked the protesting students and the general public with frenzied and reckless armed attacks during the anti-discrimination student movement since July 15.
The official order says, "During the anti-discrimination student movements from July 15, 2024, Bangladesh Chatra League leaders-workers attacked the protesting students and general public with frenzied and reckless armed attacks and killed hundreds of innocent students and persons and endangered the lives of many more people."
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