The advisory council meeting to approve the Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Ordinance 2025 was held in Jamuna on Sunday, chaired by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus. Photo: PID
The government has issued Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Ordinance 2025, empowering authorities to ban not only individuals and entities involved in terrorism but also any activity supporting them, including through media and online platforms.
The ordinance was promulgated by President Md Shahabuddin under Article 93(1) of the Constitution, as Parliament is not currently in session.
It comes a day after the interim government announced the proscription of the Awami League, pending trial by the International Crimes Tribunal for alleged crimes against humanity.
According to the official gazette, the ordinance significantly amends Sections 18 and 20 of the Anti-Terrorism Act, 2009, widening the scope of government action against groups or individuals deemed to be involved in terrorism.
Key Changes:
1. Section 18(1) now authorises the government to not only list an organisation in the terrorist schedule but also “ban all activities of any entity” deemed to support or engage in terrorism.
2. Section 20, which deals with the consequences of such a ban, has been substantially revised to include sweeping restrictions on expression and assembly in support of proscribed organisations.
These include:
1. Banning of press releases, publications, or communications that support or favor the banned entity, whether through print, broadcast, online, or social media.
2. Prohibiting rallies, press conferences, or public speeches that promote or endorse the activities of the banned organisation.
Officials said the amendment was necessary to make the Act “timely and responsive to emerging threats,” particularly with the growing use of digital platforms for radicalisation and mobilisation.
Legal analysts note that the ordinance marks one of the most far-reaching expansions of the government's anti-terror powers since the law’s enactment in 2009.
Though, the move is expected to raise political and civil liberties questions, especially in the context of banning a major political party like Awami League. However, government sources insist that due process through the International Crimes Tribunal will determine the final outcome.
The ordinance takes immediate effect, and relevant authorities have been directed to begin implementation and monitoring in accordance with the amended provisions.
