The interim government has officially banned Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL), a student wing affiliated with the ruling Awami League, labeling it a terrorist organization. The ban was announced today (Wednesday, October 23) through a gazette notification issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
According to the notice from the Ministry’s Political Wing-2, BCL has been involved in various criminal activities that threaten public safety. These include murder, extortion, dormitory abuse, tender manipulation, sexual assault, and other acts of violence over the past 15 years, especially during the current regime. Numerous incidents involving BCL have been widely covered by the media, and several crimes have been legally proven in court.
The government cited evidence that on July 15, during the anti-discrimination student movement, BCL activists violently attacked protesters, killing hundreds of innocent students and citizens, and endangering countless more. Even after the fall of the Awami League government on August 5, the organization continued its involvement in conspiracies, destruction, and terrorist activities against the state.
Under the powers granted by Section 18 (1) of the Anti-Terrorism Act, 2009, the government has banned BCL and listed it as a prohibited entity under Schedule 2 of the Act. The order is effective immediately.