The Election Commission (EC) has officially suspended the registration of the Awami League as a political party. A gazette notification was issued on Monday night (May 12, 2025) following a government directive. According to the gazette, the Ministry of Home Affairs, under SRO No. 137-Law/2025 dated May 12, 2025, exercised powers granted by the Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Ordinance 2025 and Section 18(1) of the Anti-Terrorism Act, 2009. It declared that, pending the conclusion of ongoing trials at the International Crimes Tribunal involving Awami League leaders and members from its wings and affiliated organizations over crimes against humanity during the July movement, all activities of the party and its associated bodies are banned. These include all forms of media publication, online and social media campaigns, processions, public gatherings, and conferences.

As a result, the EC announced the suspension of the Awami League’s registration (Registration No. 006, dated 03/11/2008) as a political party.

This move followed an earlier government ban on the party’s activities until trials related to crimes committed during the July protests are concluded. After the gazette was issued, Chief Election Commissioner A.M.M. Nasir Uddin convened a meeting to discuss the registration issue. Following the meeting, EC Secretary Akhtar Ahmed confirmed the suspension.