In a decisive move to curb extremism and maintain law and order, the government has issued a notification banning the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami as. a political party.
This is the second time the party has been banned in Bangladesh's political arena following the cancellation of its registration under the Election Commission in 2013.
"Under the Anti-Terrorism Act, 2009 due to their involvement in violence and subversive activities surrounding the quota reform movement, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and its student organisation, Islami Chhatra Shibir and all other organisations affiliated with it are being banned," said an executive order, issued by the Home Ministry on Thursday (1 August).
The move comes after days of speculation and anticipation, with Law Minister Anisul Huq initially announcing that a notification banning both Jamaat-e-Islami and its student wing, Islami Chhatra Shibir, would be issued on Wednesday (31 August).
However, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan later clarified that the process was underway and the notification would be released soon.
During a meeting with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on 29 July, the 14-party alliance agreed to ban Jamaat-Shibir's political activities in the country due to allegations of creating anti-national chaos and instability.
The ban on Jamaat-e-Islami is expected to have far-reaching implications for the country's political landscape.
The party, which has been accused of involvement in various acts of violence and extremism, has long been a controversial figure in Bangladesh.
On 1 August 2013, the High Court ruled that Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami's registration was "illegal and null and void" as its constitution conflicted with the Constitution of Bangladesh.
Following the court's rule, the party was banned from partaking in the election.
