Bangladesh interim gov lifts ban on opposition Jamaat-e-Islami
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Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government had imposed the ban on the group after accusing them of terrorist activities during the recent anti-quota protests
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Nobel laureate and chief adviser of Bangladesh's new interim government, Muhammad Yunus greets the public after laying a wreath at the National Martyrs' Memorial, Dhaka, Bangladesh, August 9, 2024. (AFP)
Bangladesh's interim government lifted the ban on opposition party Jamaat-e-Islami effective immediately, including its student wing and other associated organizations.
The transitional government revoked the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2009 imposed on the party after finding “no specific evidence of involvement of Jamaat-e-Islami, Islami Chhatra Shibir, and its associated organizations with terrorism or violence has been found. The government believes that Jamaat-e-Islami, Islami Chhatra Shibir, and its affiliates are not involved in terrorist activities.”
The ban was imposed on August 1 by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government, based on accusations that the opposition was involved in terrorist activities and the incitement of violence during the student-led anti-quota protests in July.
Jamaat-e-Islami and its associates denied these allegations, denouncing the ban as illegal.
Muhammad Yunus inaugurated as Bangladesh's interim leader
Muhammad Yunus was sworn in to lead Bangladesh's interim government on August 8 in a ceremony that began with a minute of silence as a tribute to those who were killed during the violent protests that recently swept the country.
Over 1,500 guests attended the inauguration led by President Mohammed Shahabuddin, including politicians, students, protest organizers, and military and civil society representatives. Other members of the interim government were also sworn in, including two student leaders and Adilur Rahman Khan, a major human rights activist who was previously imprisoned by the toppled government.
Yunus arrived at Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on August 8 after having been in France for medical treatment. He was welcomed by Bangladesh’s military chief, Gen. Waker-Uz-Zaman, along with navy and air force leaders. Some student leaders who had led an uprising against Prime Minister Hasina were also present, as they had proposed Yunus as interim leader to President Shahabuddin, who is currently acting as chief executive.
Yunus was scheduled to declare his new interim government but addressed his guests and nation with a speech welcoming the "new birth" of Bangladesh following the student protests. However, he condemned the violence Bangladesh has seen over the past few days, particularly that directed against religious minorities.
“My first word to you is to protect the country from disorder. Protect it from violence so we can follow the path our students have shown us,” he said, before commemorating the life of 25-year-old Abu Sayeed, a student who was shot dead by police during the riots.
