Bangladesh Bans Jamaat-e-Islami Amid Controversy

The Bangladesh government has banned the Jamaat-e-Islami party and its student wing, Islami Chhatra Shibir, under the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2009, citing their involvement in recent violent protests and longstanding accusations of terrorism and war crimes dating back to the 1971 Liberation War. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina emphasized the need to treat the party as a militant organization to protect national security. The decision has sparked controversy, with opposition parties like BNP condemning the move as undemocratic and a diversion from government accountability. Legal experts suggest that the ban via executive order could be overturned by future administrations. Supporters of the ban, including the Sector Commanders' Forum, argue that a collective effort is needed to steer Bangladesh towards a progressive path aligned with Liberation War ideals. Jamaat-e-Islami has denounced the ban as unconstitutional and an attempt to shift focus from the government's own repressive actions.