The government has formally issued a gazette notification amending the International Crimes (Tribunals) Act, 1973, authorizing the tribunal to take legal action against political parties, affiliated bodies, or supporter groups involved in international crimes.
The amendment, titled the International Crimes (Tribunals) (Second Amendment) Ordinance, 2025, was enacted and promulgated by the President under Article 93 (1) of the Constitution, according to the gazette.
Under the updated legislation, if the tribunal finds credible evidence that an organization—such as a political party or its affiliate—has been involved in crimes under international law, it will have the power to suspend or ban the group, revoke its registration or licence, and seize its assets.
The move comes in response to pressure from the National Citizen Party (NCP)—comprising student leaders from the recent July Uprising—and Islamist groups including Jamaat-e-Islami, demanding legal action against the Awami League.
The interim government has already declared the party banned under the Anti-Terrorism Act, citing its alleged role in suppressing the July movement.
The Advisory Council of the interim government also approved the necessary amendments to the ICT Act to facilitate legal proceedings against the Awami League and similar entities.
Law Advisor Asif Nazrul confirmed the decisions late Saturday following an emergency meeting of the council.
