On May 12, 2025, Bangladesh's Election Commission suspended the registration of the Awami League, the nation's former ruling party led by ex-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, effectively barring it from participating in upcoming national elections. This decision follows a ban imposed by the interim government under Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, citing threats to national security and an ongoing war crimes investigation into the deaths of hundreds of protesters during the 2024 unrest.

The Awami League, a central figure in Bangladesh's political landscape since leading the country to independence in 1971, has been prohibited from engaging in any political activity until the International Crimes Tribunal completes its proceedings. The party condemned the ban as undemocratic and divisive, accusing the government of suppressing dissent and democratic norms.

Sheikh Hasina, who ruled Bangladesh for over two decades and secured a fourth consecutive term in 2024 amid a widely boycotted election, fled to India in August 2024 following violent protests. The unrest was sparked by the reinstatement of a controversial quota system in public sector jobs, which reserved a significant percentage of positions for descendants of freedom fighters from the 1971 Liberation War. Critics argued that the system favored supporters of the Awami League and was discriminatory against the broader population.

The student-led protests, which began in July 2024, escalated into a broader movement against Hasina's government, culminating in her departure and the establishment of an interim administration led by Muhammad Yunus. The interim government has proposed electoral reforms and hinted that elections might be delayed until 2026. The country has experienced political turmoil since the protests erupted, with political groups like the Bangladesh Nationalist Party demanding early elections, while newer factions such as the National Citizen Party advocate for reforms before any voting.

The political unrest has severely impacted daily life in Bangladesh. Schools and businesses have faced frequent closures due to strikes and protests. Public transportation disruptions have made commuting challenging, and markets have experienced shortages of basic necessities, leading to rising prices. The healthcare sector has also been affected, with hospitals struggling to operate amidst the chaos.

Economically, the turmoil has led to a decline in foreign tourist arrivals, with travel advisories issued against visiting Bangladesh. Tour operators have reported a significant drop in bookings, and the hospitality industry has faced cancellations. The unrest has also exacerbated economic risks. Bangladesh began a 42-month, US$4.7 billion IMF program in January 2023 to preserve macroeconomic stability. However, high commodity prices and global financial tightening continue to pressure foreign reserves and the taka. Credit rating agencies have downgraded Bangladesh’s credit rating, noting that the political situation has exacerbated the banking industry’s frailties.

The international community, including the United Nations, has cautioned against actions that could undermine democratic pluralism in the country. The UN human rights office previously criticized party bans as harmful to democratic processes after reporting up to 1,400 deaths in the anti-Hasina protests.

The interim government has established multiple commissions to recommend reforms to the judiciary, electoral system, public administration, police, anti-corruption office, and the constitution. These commissions include civil society activists, student leaders, academics, and former government officials. The government plans to amend, repeal, or introduce laws to ensure lasting change based on the commissions' recommendations.

As Bangladesh navigates this period of political transition, the suspension of the Awami League's registration marks a significant shift in the nation's political dynamics. The coming months will be crucial in determining the future of democracy and governance in the country.