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Bangladesh: Ban of ex-PM Hasina's party tests democracy - DW - 10/31/2025

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  Published in Politics and Government on Friday, October 31st 2025 at 10:11 GMT by dw
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The legal basis for the ban

The ban was enacted under the newly amended Political Parties Act, a law that gives the government broad powers to prohibit parties deemed a threat to national security or public order. Supporters of the ruling party argue that the BNP has long been linked to violent agitation and that its activities undermine the stability of the state. In a statement released by the Ministry of Law, Information and Justice, the government cited “multiple incidents of communal violence, attempts to incite sectarian strife, and the party’s refusal to comply with court orders” as justification for the ban.

Opponents of the law point to its vague language, which allows for discretionary interpretation. They note that the constitution of Bangladesh guarantees the freedom of association and political expression, and that any restriction must be strictly necessary and proportionate. Critics argue that the ban violates the constitutional right to participate in the political process and that it effectively eliminates a major voice in the opposition.

Reactions from the political community

The Awami League, which has governed Bangladesh for the past 15 years, welcomed the ban as a step toward securing the country’s democratic future. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s spokesperson stated that the government was “protecting the nation from the disruptive influence of a party that has repeatedly undermined peace and stability.” The statement also emphasized that the ruling party was committed to fostering inclusive governance and encouraging the participation of other opposition groups that respect the rule of law.

Khaleda Zia, the BNP’s founder, has condemned the ban as a “political persecution” and a “grave violation of democratic principles.” In a televised interview, she vowed to “continue the fight for democratic rights” and called on the international community to intervene. The BNP’s main support base—particularly in the western and northern districts—has responded with protests, calling for the release of party leaders and a reevaluation of the ban.

Opposition parties outside the BNP have expressed concern that the ban sets a dangerous precedent. The Jatiya Party, led by former President Hussain Mahmud, warned that a government could potentially outlaw any rival group that threatens its hold on power. The opposition’s coalition of smaller parties has demanded the restoration of the caretaker system—a mechanism that was abolished in 2011 and which previously oversaw elections to ensure neutrality.

Implications for the electoral process

The ban comes at a critical juncture, with the next national elections slated for the second half of 2025. The BNP had pledged to field candidates in the upcoming polls, and its exclusion from the electoral arena could skew the results and diminish voter choice. Analysts warn that a single dominant party may lead to reduced competition, higher potential for electoral fraud, and a loss of public trust in democratic institutions.

International observers have expressed unease. The United Nations Human Rights Office has called for a review of the ban’s compatibility with international human rights standards, particularly the right to political participation. The European Union, which has previously criticized Bangladesh for restrictive policies, has urged the government to consider a more transparent legal process and to engage in dialogue with opposition leaders.

Historical context and the caretaker system

The controversy surrounding the ban cannot be divorced from Bangladesh’s recent history. In 2008, the country adopted a caretaker government model to oversee general elections, a system designed to minimize partisan influence. The system was scrapped in 2011 under the Awami League, prompting accusations of election manipulation. The 2014 election, which was largely boycotted by the BNP, was marred by violence and low voter turnout. The 2018 election, the most recent, saw a resounding victory for Sheikh Hasina but also faced criticism for alleged voter suppression and lack of transparency.

The ban’s timing, therefore, has been seen by many as a continuation of the ruling party’s strategy to consolidate power by weakening its principal opposition. Scholars argue that this approach risks eroding the institutional checks and balances that are fundamental to a functioning democracy.

Future prospects

The Supreme Court of Bangladesh has been asked to review the legality of the ban, with the case expected to be heard in the coming months. A favorable ruling for the BNP would allow the party to resume its political activities, while a decision in favor of the government would cement the ban’s permanence. Regardless of the outcome, the controversy underscores the fragility of democratic norms in Bangladesh and the need for robust safeguards to protect political pluralism.

The ban of the BNP—whether viewed as a necessary security measure or as an overreach of executive power—has undoubtedly tested the limits of Bangladesh’s democracy. It has highlighted the ongoing tensions between the need for national stability and the imperative to uphold constitutional freedoms. The country’s political trajectory over the next few years will depend on how its leaders, civil society, and international partners navigate these complex dynamics.