The Bangladesh government has officially banned the Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL), the student wing of the Awami League, under the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2009. This announcement came through a notification issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs on Wednesday, October 23.

The Ministry of Home Affairs’ notification outlined various charges against the BCL, citing its involvement in numerous acts of violence and public disorder over the years, particularly during the past 15 years of Awami League’s rule. These include murder, torture, dormitory-based oppression, illegal seat trading, tender manipulation, rape, and sexual harassment. These activities have been widely reported in the media, and in some cases, BCL leaders and members were convicted in court.

Since the launch of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement on July 15, BCL activists have been accused of attacking protesters and civilians, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of students and others. Many more have been injured in what the notification described as “frenzied and reckless armed attacks.” Additionally, after the fall of the Awami League government on August 5, the BCL is alleged to have engaged in conspiratorial, destructive, and provocative activities against the state.

It is said in the notification, therefore, the government banned Bangladesh Awami League's fraternal organization 'Bangladesh Chhatra League' under the authority of 'Anti-Terrorism Act, 2009' and listed the student organization 'Bangladesh Chhatra League' as a banned entity in schedule-2 of this law. This decision will be effective immediately.
Anti-Discrimination Student Movement and the National Civic Committee alongside key figures like Mahmudur Rahman, have recently intensified their calls for banning the Chhatra League (BCL), accusing it of a long history of violence, including murder, rape, extortion, and attacks, particularly during the Awami League's rule.
 

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