Former ruling party in Bangladesh accuses interim government of dividing the country and violating democratic norms by banning its activities. The ban, imposed under the Anti-Terrorism Act, prohibits the Awami League party from operating online and elsewhere until a special tribunal completes the trial of the party and its leaders for their alleged involvement in the deaths of protesters during an uprising. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party, headed by Khaleda Zia, initially opposed the ban but later welcomed the trial. Thousands of protesters demanded the ban, accusing the gatherings of being state-sponsored. The United Nations human rights office raised concerns about political party bans undermining democracy. Bangladesh’s political future is uncertain, with the BNP pushing for elections and the interim government considering reforms before scheduling a vote.
