Bangladesh Bans Jamaat-e-Islami Party Following Violent Protests

Dhaka, August 1, 2024 – In a decisive move, the government of Bangladesh has banned the Jamaat-e-Islami party, along with its student wing Islami Chhatra Shibir and related groups, labeling them as “militant and terrorist” organizations. This action follows weeks of violent protests which have resulted in over 200 deaths and thousands of injuries across the nation.

The ban, announced by the Ministry of Home Affairs under an anti-terrorism law, comes amid accusations from Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her political allies that Jamaat-e-Islami and its affiliates incited violence during recent student protests regarding the government job quota system.

Since the protests began on July 15, at least 211 people have died and over 10,000 have been arrested in a nationwide crackdown. Jamaat-e-Islami, which has been barred from participating in national elections since 2014, now faces a complete ban on all political activities.

The roots of this decision trace back to the party’s controversial history. Established in 1941 during British colonial rule, Jamaat-e-Islami opposed Bangladesh’s independence during the 1971 war, aligning with the Pakistani military. Post-independence, the party faced bans and legal battles due to its involvement in crimes against humanity, including killings, abductions, and rapes.

In recent years, many top leaders of Jamaat-e-Islami have been executed or imprisoned. The Supreme Court’s 2023 ruling upheld a previous ban on the party’s participation in elections, citing constitutional conflicts.

Jamaat-e-Islami’s chief, Shafiqur Rahman, condemned the government’s decision, stating it was illegal and unconstitutional, and warned that such actions could lead to chaos and disrupt state order.

This landmark move marks a significant chapter in Bangladesh’s ongoing struggle with political violence and extremism.