Dhaka, Bangladesh – May 13, 2025In a significant development in Bangladesh’s volatile political landscape, the country’s Election Commission has cancelled the registration of the Awami League, the former ruling party led by exiled Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The move effectively disqualifies the party from contesting the next national election, expected by June 2026.Official Ban on Party ActivitiesJust hours before the Election Commission’s announcement, the Ministry of Home Affairs issued a formal notification banning all activities of the Awami League and its affiliated organizations. The order, issued under the country’s Anti-Terrorism Act, prohibits the party from conducting meetings, processions, publishing materials, or participating in any form of media—both offline and online.The order will remain effective until a special tribunal concludes its ongoing trial against senior Awami League leaders. The government has alleged that the party and its leaders were involved in acts of violence during mass protests against Hasina’s regime last year.Crackdown on Supporters and Online ActivityA senior government adviser warned that any public or online expression of support for the Awami League could result in arrest. The move has drawn criticism from international human rights bodies, including the UN, which cautioned against undermining democratic inclusivity.In February, the UN Human Rights Office reported that as many as 1,400 people may have been killed during three weeks of anti-government protests in mid-2024. It urged the interim government to avoid political bans that would disenfranchise millions of voters.Sheikh Hasina in Exile, Party in CrisisSheikh Hasina, who served as Prime Minister for 15 consecutive years, fled to India in August 2024 following mass protests and a military-backed transition. She has remained in exile with several former ministers and lawmakers. The interim government has accused them of ordering security forces to use lethal force against protesters.Since her ouster, Awami League offices across the country have been attacked or burned, including its Dhaka headquarters. Thousands of party supporters have reportedly been detained, and many remain missing.Awami League’s ResponseIn a statement released Sunday, the Awami League accused the interim government of suppressing democratic rights. “This ban strangled democratic norms, fueled division, and further escalated the crackdown on dissenters,” the statement read.The party, which played a central role in Bangladesh’s independence war of 1971, is now facing one of the most serious political crises in its history.What Lies AheadInterim Prime Minister Muhammad Yunus has said elections will likely be held either in December 2025 or June 2026. With the Awami League disqualified and its top leaders in exile or custody, Bangladesh’s political future appears increasingly uncertain.