On April 8, 2024, Bangladesh's Parliament endorsed a law to disband the Awami League party, previously led by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed described the party as a 'genocidal, terrorist organization' during the parliamentary session, emphasizing the need for accountability for its alleged crimes. This law amends the Anti-Terrorism Act, continuing the suspension of the Awami League's registration with the election commission and prohibiting any political activities or support for the party. The bill was passed by members of the ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in a voice vote, despite opposition calls for more time to review the sensitive legislation. Critics, including UN officials and constitutional experts, have condemned the law as detrimental to democracy, noting that it marks only the second time in history that a party leading a country's independence has been banned. The law's passage follows the arrest of former parliament speaker Shirin Sharmin Choudhury, a significant figure from Hasina's government, raising concerns about the BNP's intentions to suppress the Awami League's resurgence.