Prime minister’s information and broadcasting adviser zahed Ur Rahman said on Tuesday that whether the Awami League would ultimately be banned as a political party would be determined by the court, particularly the International Crimes Tribunal.

He said that the party’s future would depend on the outcome of judicial proceedings regarding allegations of crimes against humanity.

He made the remarks while speaking at the weekly press briefing held at the press Information department conference room at the Secretariat.

Responding to a question, Zahed said, ‘Whether the Awami League as a party would be banned will be decided by the court, by the ICT. It will be determined after the trial whether they were involved in crimes against humanity.’

He said that until the judicial process was completed, the party’s activities would remain prohibited under the Anti-Terrorism Act, 2009.

‘As long as they remain under trial, their activities will remain banned. If the party attempts to organise any programme or political activity, it will be violating the law. In such a situation, it is natural for the government to take action,’ he said.

The adviser said that he did not believe the Awami League was currently in a position to conduct significant political activities.

‘I personally do not think the Awami League has that kind of moral courage. At least some moral courage is required. Only after all of us suffer from dementia might the Awami League return and speak loudly in public. Before that, I do not think so,’ he said.

He also described the party as being composed of ‘looters, mafias and thieves’ who, in his view, lacked moral authority.

Responding to a question on whether banning a political party produces positive outcomes for democracy, Zahed said that the issue should be viewed within the framework of democratic principles and judicial procedures.

Referring to a recent remark by the home affairs minister, he said, ‘A few days ago, our home affairs minister commented that the Awami League is not a political party but a mafia organisation. I have been saying this for many years.’

He argued that political parties operating in a democratic system must themselves adhere to democratic norms and principles.

‘In a democratic environment, a political party has to be democratic. That is why you see some parties facing bans or legal challenges,’ he said.

Drawing an international comparison, he referred to debates in Germany over the status of certain political parties despite their electoral support. He also rejected the argument that public support alone should determine whether a party can continue operating.

‘Many people say the Awami League enjoys massive public support. Let us assume that 50 per cent of the population supports the Awami League. Likewise, if an extremist religious group were supported by 40 or 50 per cent of the population, would it automatically be allowed to operate freely? The answer is no,’ he said.

Zahed said that democratic systems are governed by a set of fundamental principles and conditions that all political actors must follow regardless of their popularity.

He added that any decision on banning the Awami League would ultimately be a matter for the court and that the government would abide by the judicial process.