Bangladesh bans Jamaat-e-Islami after violent protests, Labels group Militant, terrorist

The Jamaat-e-Islami party, its student arm, and other affiliated organizations were outlawed by Bangladesh on Thursday. The party was designated as a "militant and terrorist" organization by the authorities. Following weeks of violent protests that left thousands injured and more than 200 dead, this action is a part of a statewide crackdown.

Terrorist group? or not 

The restriction was implemented in accordance with an anti-terrorism statute, according to a notice from Bangladesh's Ministry of Home Affairs that The Associated Press was able to view on Thursday. In all, almost 10,000 people have been arrested nationwide and at least 211 people have died since July 15.  Since the Election Commission canceled Jamaat-e Islami's registration in 2014, the organization has been prohibited from taking part in national elections, according to AP. The party was prohibited from running for office by the High Court in 2013, citing a constitutional conflict stemming from the party's opposition to secularism. Nonetheless, political activities like as protests, meetings, and speeches were still permitted. 

The lengthy legal dispute came to an end ten years later, in 2023, when the Supreme Court upheld the High Court's ruling, prohibiting the party from participating in elections or using its insignia. However, the party was not outright prohibited by the Supreme Court. During British colonial authority, in 1941, a controversial Islamic scholar founded Jamaat-e Islami. The party was against Bangladesh becoming an independent nation during the 1971 war of independence from Pakistan.

Government and controversy

Numerous prominent party figures have been murdered or imprisoned since 2013 after being found guilty of crimes against humanity, including murders, kidnappings, and rapes in 1971. The party had established paramilitary formations to support the Pakistani military during the nine-month war against Pakistan in 1971. With India's help, Bangladesh became independent on December 16, 1971. Bangladesh claims that during the conflict, 3 million people perished, 200,000 women were sexually assaulted, and about 1 million people escaped to India. 

Jamaat was previously outlawed twice in Pakistan, in 1959 and 1964, due to its communal activities. The party did not immediately reply on Thursday, but when Law Minister Anisul Huq of Hasina's Awami League party hinted that a decision was imminent, the party's chief, Shafiqur Rahman, issued a statement on Tuesday night saying that any decision of this nature should be denounced.