Protesters in Shahbagh burst into celebration Saturday night following an announcement that all political activities of Awami League would be banned until the completion of war crimes trials against the party and its leaders.
The victory celebration followed a press conference on Saturday (May 10), where interim government Legal Advisor Asif Nazrul made the official announcement.
After a meeting of the interim government’s advisory council, Legal Affairs Adviser Asif Nazrul addressed the press, stating that the decision was made under the Anti-Terrorism Act.
The move, he said, aims to protect national security and sovereignty, ensure the safety of July Movement activists and safeguard plaintiffs and witnesses involved in the International Crimes Tribunal proceedings.
“The interim government has decided to ban all activities of Awami League across physical and digital platforms until the completion of the trials,” said Nazrul. “A formal circular will be issued on the next working day.”
He further revealed that an amendment to the International Crimes Tribunal Act has been approved. Under new provisions, the tribunal will have the authority to prosecute not only individuals but also political parties, affiliated organizations and their supporter groups. Additionally, the advisory council resolved to finalize and publish ‘July Declaration’ within the next 30 working days.
Following the announcement, scenes of jubilation erupted across Shahbagh, with chants and slogans echoing from Shahbagh intersection to Inter Continental Hotel and all the way to Banglamotor. Waves of marchers streamed from the Inter Continental area to Shahbagh, eventually gathering at the central protest site.
Participants, largely comprising students and youth, vowed to remain on the streets until all their demands are met, reiterating their commitment to movement’s declared objectives.
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