Bangladesh expected to ban Jamaat-e-Islami

DHAKA: The Bangladesh government, led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, is expected to ban the country’s main Islamic party and its student wing, which have been accused of involvement in violence during recent protests against public recruitment rules.

According to Astro Awani, this action follows Sheikh Hasina’s accusations against the Jamaat-e-Islami party and the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) for the violence that led her to impose a curfew.

Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Anisul Huq stated that the ban will be enacted through an executive order on Wednesday.

He said the decision was made for the sake of the country and Bangladesh’s peace.

Condemning the decision, Jamaat-e-Islami issued a statement calling the government’s actions, led by the Awami League, as unlawful, unconstitutional, and in violation of the law.

Party leader Shafiqur Rahman denied the government’s allegations that Jamaat was responsible for the violence.

A 2013 court ruling had already barred Jamaat from participating in elections, citing that its registration as a political party was inconsistent with the country’s secular constitution.

Bangladesh has shut down internet services and deployed the military to enforce the curfew nationwide as widespread demonstrations have continued since they began in June.

Approximately 150 people have been killed and thousands injured as security forces used rubber bullets, tear gas, and grenades to disperse tens of thousands of protesters on the streets.