Dhaka, August 1 - The government has announced plans to assist in the bail of HSC examinees and minors arrested during the recent quota reform movement. Law Minister Anisul Huq made the statement during a press conference at the Ministry of Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs on Thursday. 

The Law Minister called upon state-appointed lawyers to expedite the bail process for those arrested, particularly emphasizing the need to prioritize the release of innocent students and minors. "The government will support the bail of those innocent HSC examinees and minors who were detained by the police in connection with the quota movement," said Minister Huq.

In a significant move, the government also announced the imminent issuance of a notification to ban Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh and its affiliated organizations, including its student wing, the Islamic Chhatra Shibir. The ban, set to be enforced under Section 18 of the Anti-Terrorism Act, will officially end Jamaat's political activities in the country.

"The Ministry of Home Affairs will issue the notification by Thursday, implementing the ban on Jamaat-e-Islami and all its associated groups," the Law Minister confirmed. He added that post-ban, these organizations would be prohibited from engaging in political activities under their current banners.

The decision follows a meeting on Monday between Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the leaders of the 14-party alliance at Ganabhaban, where a unanimous agreement was reached on banning Jamaat-Shibir. The move comes as part of a broader effort to curb militancy and maintain national security, with the Prime Minister earlier stating that Jamaat-Shibir would be treated as militant organizations after the ban.

This action against Jamaat-e-Islami marks a historic moment, as the party had previously been banned after Bangladesh's independence under the government of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. However, Jamaat regained political rights during the regime of military ruler Ziaur Rahman. The demand for a ban on the party has persisted for nearly four and a half decades, especially after the Awami League government initiated trials for war criminals in 2009. 

The International Crimes Tribunal has labeled Jamaat a "criminal group" due to its involvement in the 1971 genocide. Consequently, the party lost its registration with the Election Commission and has been unable to participate in the last three general elections.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina reiterated the government's stance, stating, "Militants have carried out sabotage in the name of the quota movement. Jamaat-Shibir will be treated as a militant organization following the ban." The Prime Minister emphasized the necessity of this decision to ensure national security and uphold the rule of law.

The government's decisive actions come amidst rising tensions and concerns about maintaining public order in the face of recent political unrest.