B'desh govt bans student wing of Hasina's party under anti-terror law

Dhaka: Bangladesh interim government on Wednesday banned Bangladesh Chatra the students wing of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s party Awami League, citing Anti-discrimination Student Movement’s demand to ban the students body. In an official order, the Bangladesh Home Ministry said, “The government, under the powers provided in sub-section (1) of Section 18 of the “Anti-Terrorism Act 2009”, banned Bangladesh Awami League’s fraternal organization “Bangladesh Chatra League”.” A copy of the order was obtained by news agency ANI.

Earlier on Tuesday, an overnight protest erupted led by the Anti-discrimination Student Movement, the group which led to oust Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, announced five points demand, including the resignation of Bangladesh’s President Mohammed Shahabuddin and banning of the Awami League’s student organization, “Bangladesh Chatra League”.

The order issued by the Bangladesh Home Ministry stated, “At various times since the independence of Bangladesh, especially during the last 15 years of dictatorial rule, the Bangladesh Chatra League, the fraternal organization of Bangladesh Awami League, has been involved in various public security-related activities including killings, torture, harassment in common rooms, trading of seats in dormitories, gangs, rape and sexual harassment.”