Prime Minister Tarique Rahman yesterday directed the authorities concerned to strengthen the ongoing drive against the Awami League, Bangladesh Chhatra League, Jubo League and other associate organisations.
He also instructed law enforcement agencies and the field administration to remain more vigilant to prevent members of the banned organisations from carrying out activities that could threaten public safety or disrupt law and order.
The directives came at a cabinet meeting chaired by the prime minister at the Bangladesh Secretariat, according to meeting insiders.
The prime minister asked the authorities to intensify surveillance, identify those involved in criminal and subversive activities, and take legal action against them.
They were also instructed to closely monitor the programmes of the banned organisations.
The directives came five days after ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who faces a death sentence in Bangladesh, told Reuters that she and senior Awami League leaders planned to return from exile in India around December and surrender.
BCL has brought out processions in different parts of the country on various occasions.
Speaking to journalists at the Secretariat yesterday, Home Minister Salahuddin said Hasina would be arrested upon her return, as she had already been convicted by a court. Whether she would be allowed to surrender or appeal would be determined by the courts, he added.
He further said certain vested groups were attempting to exploit the ongoing student demonstrations, road blockades and rallies for their own political interests.
Hasina fled Bangladesh on August 5, 2024. In November, the International Crimes Tribunal sentenced her to death for ordering a deadly crackdown on a student-led uprising.
The interim government banned BCL in October 2024. In May 2025, it banned all activities of the Awami League and its associate and affiliated organisations. The Election Commission also suspended the party’s registration.
Meanwhile, the prime minister reminded cabinet members to step up visits to flood-affected areas and remain actively engaged in relief and rehabilitation efforts.
At the meeting, he asked ministers and state ministers to assess the situation on the ground, maintain coordination with the local administration, and ensure that affected people receive food, safe drinking water, medical care, and other essential assistance without delay.
He also directed them to regularly monitor relief distribution and report any shortcomings requiring immediate government intervention.
YOUTH DAY OBSERVANCE RESTORED
The government has decided to restore the observance of National Youth Day on November 1 each year, reversing the previous decision to celebrate it jointly with International Youth Day on August 12, according to the cabinet meeting.
The cabinet approved a proposal to this effect submitted by the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
The immediate past interim government had decided to observe both days together on August 12.
