Awami League Suspended, Not Banned, Says Mohammad Yunus As Bangladesh Election Participation Remains Uncertain

International News: Chief advisor to the interim government of Bangladesh, Mohammad Yunus, has said that the Awami League is legal as a party but its activities are currently suspended. This comment of Yunus is important because in May the Election Commission of Bangladesh had banned Sheikh Hasina's party. Just two days after this, the Election Commission of Bangladesh cancelled the registration of the Awami League. In such a situation, Mohammad Yunus's new statement is being considered absurd and contradictory. People on social media are asking whether this statement is a U-turn by the Yunus government or part of some strategy.

What did Mohammad Yunus say about Awami League?

Speaking to the news organization Zeteo on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Yunus said the Awami League is a legitimate political party and its activities have been halted for the time being. When asked if the suspension could be lifted, he replied, "That is a possibility." Asked whether banning a group from contesting elections is democratic, Yunus said the decision rests with the Election Commission. According to The Daily Star, Yunus said the matter is with the Election Commission, which has considered the possibilities and characteristics of the party that could disrupt the entire election.

Millions of Awami League supporters in Bangladesh

When Zeteo journalist Mehdi Hasan reported that the Awami League has millions of supporters in Bangladesh, Yunus expressed uncertainty about the size of the party's current support base. He said, "I wouldn't say millions. They do have supporters, but I don't know how many are left." Yunus's statement is being seen as politically motivated, as the Awami League's arch-rival, Khaleda Zia's Bangladesh Nationalist Party, is a front-runner to win the next election.

Awami League still very strong

Although the Awami League is banned, it maintains a strong organizational network in Bangladesh. It is believed that millions of Awami League supporters still exist in Bangladesh. Most of them are underground, fearing retaliation from the Yunus government, and are unable to openly express their support for Sheikh Hasina. Consequently, Bangladesh is believed to be sitting on a powder keg, a small spark capable of igniting an explosion.

When will the elections be held in Bangladesh?

Yunus' statement comes just months after he announced that general elections in Bangladesh would be held in the first half of April 2026. In May, Yunus' government suspended all activities of the Awami League, including its online operations, under the Anti-Terrorism Act. Subsequently, the Election Commission revoked the party's registration.