A major political development unfolded in Bangladesh on Wednesday as the National Parliament passed the Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Bill 2026, keeping the activities of the ousted Awami League (AL) banned.
The bill was approved by voice vote around 12:15 pm, giving legal backing to the restrictions previously imposed.
On May 12, 2025, the Ministry of Home Affairs had issued a notification banning the Awami League and all its affiliates, associates, and fraternal organizations.
A special committee of the 13th National Parliament had recommended that the ordinance issued during the interim government be passed into law in an amended form.
Political analysts say that if implemented, the law will not only ban all Awami League activities but could also hold party leaders and activists accountable under the law.
