DHAKA — Bangladesh’s interim government has banned all activities of the Awami League, the party of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, under the Anti-Terrorism Act, citing national security threats.

The move comes after mass protests led by the student-driven National Citizen Party, joined by Islamist and right-wing groups demanding the Awami League be labelled a terrorist organisation.

Authorities say the ban will remain until trials are held over protester deaths linked to the party, and a new amendment allows the tribunal to prosecute entire political organisations.

The Awami League called the decision illegal, denouncing the interim government—led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus—as illegitimate.

Tensions have soared since Hasina fled to India last year, with protests sparked by student-led movements escalating into some of the worst political unrest since 1971.