India has officially expressed its concern regarding the ban on the activities of the political party Awami League.
The spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs of India, Randhir Jaiswal, expressed this concern at a press conference in Delhi on Tuesday evening (May 13).
He stated that the imposition of a ban on the Awami League without proper procedure is a concerning step.
He further added that as a democratic nation, India is naturally concerned about the "reduction of democratic rights and the shrinking of political space." He affirmed India's strong support for holding free, fair, and participatory elections in Bangladesh immediately.
Earlier, on Saturday (May 10), the activities of the Awami League were banned under the Anti-Terrorism Act. This decision was taken at an emergency meeting of the interim government's advisory council that night.
After the meeting, Law Advisor Asif Nazrul announced the government's decision. He said that to protect the country's security and sovereignty, the safety of the activists of the July movement, and the protection of the plaintiffs and witnesses of the International Crimes Tribunal until the trial of the Bangladesh Awami League and its leaders is completed in the International Crimes Tribunal, a decision has been taken to ban all activities of the Awami League, including in cyberspace, under the Anti-Terrorism Act.
Subsequently, on Monday afternoon, a notification was issued banning all activities of the Awami League and its all affiliated organizations, associated organizations, and fraternal organizations.
