Sajeeb Wazed, the son of Bangladesh’s ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has raised concerns about the legality of an ordinance used by the interim government to ban the Awami League. The interim government amended the Anti-Terrorism Act, 2009, through a new ordinance to grant itself the authority to prohibit a political party’s activities.
Wazed pointed out that according to Article 93(2) of Bangladesh’s Constitution, any such ordinance must be presented to Parliament within 30 days after a new government takes office. Within this timeframe, the BNP-led government can either allow the ordinance to expire or approve it through legislation, thereby making the changes permanent.
If the amendment is approved without changes, Wazed highlighted that it could lead to the proscription of the Awami League being deemed unconstitutional and subject to judicial review. He emphasized that endorsing the amendment would signify support for what he described as an extraordinary use of anti-terrorism laws.
Wazed also mentioned that not validating the ordinance would signal a departure from the interim administration’s approach. He urged the BNP government to refrain from endorsing the ordinance, suggesting that this would demonstrate a commitment to restoring a more rights-compatible anti-terrorism framework and promoting inclusive democracy.
