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There is no blanket ban on former or current Awami League (AL) members holding meetings or rallies, although the party’s activities remain prohibited, Prime Minister’s Information and Broadcasting Adviser Dr Zahed Ur Rahman has said.
However, holding political programmes under the Awami League banner would constitute a violation of the law, he added.
He made the remarks on Tuesday (November 10) while responding to journalists’ questions at a press conference on the progress of various government activities.
Asked about a former Awami League lawmaker who returned from London and held a meeting in his constituency, Zahed said the question of whether the Awami League should be banned as a political party was still pending before the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT).
Until then, the party’s activities had been banned through an amendment to the Anti-Terrorism Act, 2009, he said.
He clarified that Awami League members could not organise meetings, rallies or processions under the party’s banner. However, individuals’ legal status, including whether they face criminal cases, are in jail or are out on bail, would be taken into consideration.
“If someone was associated with the Awami League but has no criminal case against them, has not been imprisoned or is out on bail, that does not mean they cannot attend or organise other types of meetings or gatherings,” he said.
Responding to reports that the meeting featured Awami League banners and a stage, the adviser said such an event would constitute a violation of the law and assured that action would be taken.
Asked whether the former lawmaker faced restrictions on travelling to and from Bangladesh because of any pending cases, Zahed said having a criminal case did not automatically prevent someone from travelling abroad or returning home.
The key issues, he explained, were whether the person was a fugitive or had an arrest warrant against them that they had failed to comply with. He said the matter was being thoroughly examined.
