News Desk
The national parliament has approved the Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Bill, 2026, reinforcing existing restrictions under the Anti-Terrorism Act, 2009 and formally maintaining the prohibition of a political entity along with all of its affiliated activities. The bill was passed during Wednesday’s parliamentary session through a voice vote, marking a significant legislative development in the country’s security and political landscape.
The session, which began in the morning, was presided over by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad. During the proceedings, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed presented the amendment bill before lawmakers, emphasizing its importance in strengthening legal provisions related to national security and counterterrorism measures. The bill’s passage effectively transforms earlier executive action into permanent law.
This legislative move follows the Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025, which had been approved by the interim government on May 11, 2025. Shortly after the ordinance was cleared, an official gazette notification was issued the next day, declaring a ban on all activities associated with the Awami League and its affiliated organizations. The ban included political operations, organizational functions, and any related engagements under the entity’s banner.
After assuming power, the BNP-led government took steps to formalize the ordinance by introducing it as a bill in parliament. With its approval, the provisions of the ordinance have now been codified into statutory law. As a result, the prohibition on the Awami League and its affiliates remains fully in effect under the amended legal framework.
The passage of the bill signals the government’s intent to maintain strict control over entities deemed a threat under anti-terrorism legislation, while also consolidating earlier executive decisions through parliamentary endorsement.
