The All European Awami League on Thursday strongly condemned and protested the interim government’s decision to ban the Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL).

In a joint statement, the organisation's President M Nazrul Islam and General Secretary Mujibur Rahman expressed their discontent, stating that the government had issued a notification banning the Chhatra League based on false accusations.

“We strongly condemn and protest this action,” the statement read.

They highlighted that Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman founded the Chhatra League in response to the needs of the time, just one year after emerging from British colonial rule and facing Pakistani subjugation.

The leaders emphasised that the Chhatra League’s struggles and contributions will be remembered in golden letters in the history of Bangladesh and its fight for independence.

They also outlined the organisation’s vital role in major historical events such as the 1952 Language Movement, the 1954 General Elections, the Anti-Ayub Movement of 1958, the Education Movement of 1962, the Six-Point Movement in 1966, the Mass Uprising of 1969, the 1970 General Elections, and its significant contributions during the Liberation War in 1971.

They reiterated that the Chhatra League played a crucial and unparalleled role in every democratic movement in Bangladesh’s history.

“Bangladesh Chhatra League has been a proud partner in all the major achievements of Bangladesh and its people,” the statement added.

They further declared that the Chhatra League, as a driving force in the country’s progress, is imperishable and indestructible.

The ban on 76-year old BCL came on Wedbesday night in response to demands from anti-discrimination student movement.

A home ministry gazette notification cited evidence of BCL's involvement in killings, torture of students and terrorist activities in the past 15 years of fallen Awami League rule.