Awami League's student wing is banned under anti-terror act

DHAKA : Bangladesh's interim government issued a gazette notification on Wednesday outlawing Awami League 's student wing under the Anti-Terrorism Act , 2009, in a move seen as acquiescing to Jamaat-e-Islami and pro-Jamaat student leaders.

The home ministry said the ban on Bangladesh Chhatra League takes effect immediately, citing its alleged involvement in violent actions and intimidation of students and other civilians. Some Dhaka University students brought out a celebratory procession after Bangladesh Chhatra League, founded by the country's first President Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in 1948, was declared a banned outfit. Awami League is yet to comment.

Political insiders said law adviser Asif Nazrul , information and broadcasting adviser Nahid Islam , and sports adviser Asif Mahmud were among those within the interim government who pushed for the ban. This was also part of the five demands of students who staged demonstrations Tuesday.