Dhaka, May 12 (V7N) – The government has granted in-principle and final approval to the draft of the ‘Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025’, which includes sweeping powers to ban individuals or entities involved in terrorist activities, including their online operations.

The approval came at a meeting of the Advisory Council held at the State Guest House Jamuna on Sunday (May 11), chaired by Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus, according to a press release issued by the Office of the Chief Advisor.

The ordinance is expected to be formally issued on Monday (May 12).

According to the press release, while the original Anti-Terrorism Act—first introduced as an ordinance by the military-backed caretaker government in 2008 and enacted by the Awami League government in 2009—allowed action against terrorism, it lacked clear provisions to ban the operations of entities engaged in such acts.

The proposed amendment now allows the government to officially designate individuals or organizations as involved in terrorism via a gazette notification, and to ban their activities, including propaganda through online and social media platforms.

Over the past 15 years under the Awami League, at least 10 militant groups were banned under the anti-terrorism law. Notably, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami became the first political party to be banned on August 1, 2024, with its student wing Islami Chhatra Shibir labeled a ‘terrorist entity’ due to its involvement in violence during the quota reform movement.

The new amendment aims to strengthen legal mechanisms to curb terrorism and extremism in both the physical and digital spheres, the statement noted.

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