The government’s ban on all activities of the Awami League and its affiliated organisations has come under legal challenge, with a writ petition asking the High Court to declare the May 2025 notification imposing the restrictions beyond the government’s lawful authority.
The petition also seeks a stay on the notification while the court considers the challenge, potentially opening a significant legal test of the restrictions imposed on the former ruling party until completion of proceedings at the International Crimes Tribunal.
Deputy Attorney General Nur Mohammad Azmi confirmed the filing of the petition on Monday.
The writ was listed as item 60 on Monday’s cause list of the High Court bench comprising Justice JBM Hasan and Justice Aziz Ahmed Bhuiyan.
Md Al Amin, a resident of Srinagar in Munshiganj, filed the petition challenging the legality of the notification issued by the Public Security Division of the Home Ministry on May 12, 2025.
The petitioner sought a rule asking the authorities to explain why the notification should not be declared to have been issued without lawful authority.
He also sought suspension of its operation pending disposal of the rule, if issued.
The May 12 notification imposed sweeping restrictions on activities of the Awami League and its organs, affiliates and fraternal organisations until completion of their trial at the International Crimes Tribunal.
Under the notification, activities including publications and campaigning through traditional media, online platforms and social media are prohibited.
Processions, meetings, rallies, gatherings and conferences are also covered by the restrictions.
The writ now brings the legal basis of those restrictions before the High Court, more than a year after the notification came into force.