The Jatiya Sangsad on Wednesday, April 8, passed the Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Bill-2026, keeping the ban on the activities of Bangladesh Awami League and its all associate bodies in force.
The bill was passed by voice vote around 12:45 pm, giving the prohibition issued by the previous interim government a legal basis.
Earlier, on May 12, 2025, the Home Ministry of the interim government outlawed the activities of the Awami League and all its associated bodies.
A special committee formed by the 13th Jatiya Sangsad recommended passing the Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025, banning AL activities in the House as amended.
The bill aims to modernise existing law by incorporating provisions to ban not only entities but also their activities and propaganda.
The bill was placed and moved by Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed.
It sought to replace the Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025, which was promulgated during the tenure of the interim government.
The proposed law introduces significant amendments to Sections 18 and 20 of the Anti-Terrorism Act, 2009, with the objective of expanding the government's authority to curb not just the existence of an organisation but its entire operational and digital footprint.
Under the revised Section 18, the government will have explicit authority to prohibit all activities of an entity, in addition to declaring it banned and listing it in the official schedule.
The Anti-Terrorism Act, 2009, was enacted to prevent terrorist acts, ensure effective punishment, and address related matters.
It allowed the government, on reasonable grounds, to list individuals or entities involved in terrorism in the schedule through a Gazette notification.
However, the existing law does not explicitly provide for banning the activities of such entities.
The amendment aims to address this gap and make the law more effective and up to date.
One of the most stringent changes comes under Section 20, which introduces a comprehensive communication blackout for banned entities.
The new provisions include a ban on issuing press releases, publications, and printed materials on behalf of such entities.
It also prohibits all forms of propaganda through mass media, online platforms, and social media.
Besides, banned entities will not be allowed to organise rallies, meetings, assemblies, press conferences, or deliver public speeches.
The bill also includes a repeal and savings clause.
Once enacted, it will repeal the Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025, while ensuring that all actions taken under the ordinance remain valid under the new law.
MOS/MSU