The Bangladeshi government, led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wajid, declared a nationwide ban on Jamaat-e-Islami, its student branch Islami Chhatra Shibir, and other related organizations on Thursday, designating them as “militant and terrorist” groups.
This decision comes after many weeks of violent protests that have injured hundreds and taken over 200 lives.
Jamaat-e-Islami and its affiliates have been blamed by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her political supporters for the violence that occurred during recent student protests against a government job quota scheme. The Ministry of Home Affairs announced in an official circular obtained by The Associated Press that the prohibition was in place as of right now, following an anti-terrorism law.
At least 211 people have died since the uprising started on July 15, and over 10,000 people have been jailed nationwide. The way the administration handled the protests, which turned violent and extended around the city, has drawn criticism.
Shafiqur Rahman, the leader of Jamaat-e-Islami, denounced the government's move as anti-constitutional and denied any role in the recent unrest. Rahman said in a statement that the government was planning atrocities to put an end to what he considered to be a student non-political movement. Teachers, cultural leaders, journalists, and professionals from other sectors, he said, are revolting against what he called the government's genocide.
Discontent with the government's quota system for jobs first spurred the student protests, which have expanded into a movement against the ruling party and gained substantial support from a range of social groups. Clashes between protestors and law enforcement have characterized the demonstrations, resulting in extensive mayhem and devastation.
The government's campaign against Jamaat-e-Islami and its associates is considered a major step toward reestablishing law and order. It has, meanwhile, also sparked worries about the effects on Bangladesh's legal system and political liberties.
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