'Curtailment of democratic freedoms': India 'concerned' over ban on Awami League in Bangladesh

The move comes after the interim government of Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, banned all activities of the Awami League under the Anti-Terrorism Act after days of protests

India is 'concerned' over the ban imposed on ousted former prime minister Sheikh Hasina's Awami League, the ministry of external affairs said in a statement on May 13.

"The ban on the Awami League (in Bangladesh) without due process is a concerning development. As a democracy, India is naturally concerned at curtailment of democratic freedoms and shrinking political space. We strongly support the early holding of free, fair and inclusive elections in Bangladesh," said MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal during a press briefing.

Earlier, the Bangladesh's Election Commission had suspended the registration of Awami League, effectively barring the party from contesting the next national elections.

The move comes after the interim government of Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, banned all activities of the Awami League under the Anti-Terrorism Act after days of protests.

The government cited national security threats and an ongoing war crimes investigation against the party’s top leadership over deaths of hundreds of protesters.

“With the home ministry’s ban on all activities of the Awami League and its affiliated organisations, the Election Commission has decided to suspend the party’s registration,” Election Commission Secretary Akhtar Ahmed told reporters late on Monday.

With Reuters inputs