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Mass Protests Outside Yunus Residence Demand Ban on Awami League as Political Turmoil Deepens in Bangladesh
Thousands rally outside interim leader Muhammad Yunus’ residence, demanding a ban on Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League. The government confirms it is reviewing calls for disbandment.
ND
by News Desk
2025-05-09
Mass Protests Outside Yunus Residence Demand Ban on Awami League as Political Turmoil Deepens in Bangladesh

Tens of thousands of protesters gathered on Friday outside the residence of interim Bangladeshi leader Muhammad Yunus, demanding the banning of Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League party, deepening the country's ongoing political crisis.

The unrest follows the sudden escape of Abdul Hamid, a former key figure in Hasina’s government, who reportedly fled the country on Thursday amid mounting legal pressure and public anger. His departure has fueled suspicion of internal collusion and raised fears of an attempted political comeback by Hasina, who is in self-exile in India, defying arrest warrants related to crimes against humanity.

Hasina was ousted in August 2024 after student-led protests stormed the capital, accusing her of electoral fraud, political repression, and orchestrating a deadly crackdown in July that, according to United Nations estimates, claimed up to 1,400 lives.

Friday’s crowd, made up largely of students and youth groups, surrounded Yunus’ residence in defiance of restrictions on mass gatherings in the area. Protesters accused Yunus' advisers of delaying justice and enabling escape routes for former regime officials.

“Sheikh Hasina robbed Bangladesh of its democracy,” said Kamrul Hasan, a protester. “Abdul Hamid’s safe exit shows there are still powerful figures protecting her network.”

The demonstration was spearheaded by the National Citizen’s Party (NCP), a new political movement that has gained momentum amid calls for national renewal. Hasnat Abdullah, NCP’s chief organiser, vowed to continue protests until “the Awami League is permanently dismantled.”

In response to mounting pressure, the interim government led by Nobel Peace Laureate Muhammad Yunus stated it is “seriously considering” a ban on the Awami League and has begun consultations with other political entities.

“The government has reviewed UN-documented evidence of atrocities and is evaluating political party accountability,” the statement said.

Meanwhile, three police officers in charge of airport security have been dismissed for allowing Hamid to flee, amid broader investigations into the failure to apprehend former officials.

As Bangladesh navigates a volatile political transition, public demands for justice and systemic reform continue to escalate, with calls for a clean break from the country's authoritarian past.

 
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