On Thursday, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wajid’s government banned Jamaat-e-Islami, its student wing Islami Chhatra Shibir, and other affiliated organizations nationwide.
The government called these groups “militant and terrorist” organizations and banned them under an anti-terrorism law. This decision follows weeks of violent protests that have caused over 200 deaths and thousands of injuries.
The unrest began on July 15 with student protests against the quota system for government jobs but quickly became widespread violence.
The government accused Jamaat-e-Islami and its affiliates of instigating the violence. According to an official Ministry of Home Affairs circular, the ban is effective immediately.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her political allies have faced criticism for handling the protests. The government’s response has included a significant crackdown. With at least 211 fatalities and over 10,000 arrests reported across the country.
Jamaat-e-Islami’s chief, Shafiqur Rahman, condemned the government’s actions, calling them anti-constitutional and denying any involvement in the violence.
Rahman accused the government of carrying out massacres to suppress a non-political movement led by students. He claimed that the protests have gained support from teachers, cultural figures, journalists, and other professionals, who are united against what he described as government-perpetrated genocide.
The student protests have evolved into a broader movement challenging the ruling government. Drawing widespread support from various segments of Bangladeshi society.
