Bangladesh Bans Jamaat-e-Islami Amidst Nationwide Unrest

Bangladesh banned the Jamaat-e-Islami and its student wing, Islami Chhatra Shibir, citing their involvement in terrorist activities. The decision follows recent violence over government job quotas that left at least 150 people dead. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina emphasized treating the group as a militant threat while Jamaat leaders condemned the ban.

Bangladesh, on Thursday, declared a ban on the Jamaat-e-Islami and its student wing, Islami Chhatra Shibir, under the anti-terrorism law. The decision comes in the wake of nationwide unrest over the government job quota system, resulting in at least 150 deaths.

A Home Ministry gazette notification stated that the government possesses substantial evidence implicating Jamaat-e-Islami and Islami Chhatra Shibir in recent killings and terrorist activities, either directly or through incitement. As per Section 18 (1) of the Anti-Terrorism Act-2009, these entities are now officially banned as political parties.

Security measures have been intensified nationwide. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina warned that these groups might resort to underground destructive activities and should be treated as militant outfits. In contrast, Jamaat-e-Islami's Ameer, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, condemned the ban, calling it unconstitutional and undemocratic. He urged citizens and international bodies to protest against the government's actions.

(With inputs from agencies.)