The Council of Advisers, in a special meeting on Saturday night, decided to ban all activities of the Awami League, including in the cyberspace, under the Anti-Terrorism Act until the trial of Bangladesh Awami League and its leaders in the International Crimes Tribunal is completed.
While briefing to the reporters in front of State Guest House Jamuna, Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul said the decision was taken in order to protect the security and sovereignty of the country, the safety of the leaders and activists of the July movement, and the protection of the plaintiffs and witnesses of the International Crimes Tribunal.
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The relevant gazette in this regard will be issued on the next working day, he said after the marathon meeting chaired by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus.
The meeting approved the amendment to the International Crimes (Tribunals) Act.
According to the amendment, the International Crimes Tribunals will be able to punish any political party, its affiliates or supporting groups, said the Law Adviser.
The Council of Advisers also decided to finalize and publish the July Declaration within the next 30 working days, said Asif Nazrul who talked reporters at around 11pm.
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Earlier on Friday, the government said it plans to immediately amend the International Crimes (Tribunals) Act to incorporate provisions for the trial of associations and political parties associated and connected with crimes against humanity.
Advisers Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adilur Rahman Khan, Mahfuj Alam and Asif Mahmud were also present at the briefing.