Jatiya Sangsad (Parlia-ment) on Wednesday passed the Anti-Terrorism (Amend-ment) Act, 2026, significantly expanding the government's authority to ban not only organizations but also their activities and all forms of communication.
The bill was approved by voice vote in the Jatiya Sangsad during a session presided over by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad.
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed placed and moved the bill, which replaces the Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025 issued during the interim government period.
The new law introduces key amendments to Sections 18 and 20 of the Anti-Terrorism Act, 2009, aimed at strengthening measures to prevent terrorism and improve enforcement.
Under the revised Section 18, the government is now explicitly empowered to prohibit all activities of an organization, in addition to declaring it banned and listing it in the official gazette.
Previously, the law allowed authorities to list individuals or entities involved in terrorism but did not clearly extend to banning their operational activities.
The Section 20 has been significantly tightened to impose a comprehensive communication ban on prohibited entities. The amended provisions bar banned organizations from issuing press releases, publishing materials, or conducting any form of propaganda through mass media, online platforms, or social media. They are also prohibited from organizing rallies, meetings, assemblies, press conferences, or delivering public speeches.
The legislation includes a repeal and savings clause, ensuring that all actions taken under the 2025 ordinance remain valid under the new law. This provides legal continuity and reinforces earlier government decisions.
Prior to the vote, Opposition Leader Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, also Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami, requested more time to review the bill, arguing that it was inappropriate to pass such significant legislation shortly after its distribution. However, the Speaker rejected the request, citing procedural rules and the absence of formally submitted amendments within the designated timeframe.
Responding to the opposition leader, the Home Minister said the amendment reflects public demand and is intended to curb the activities of groups accused of involvement in violence.
The passage of the Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Act, 2026 consolidates those measures into a comprehensive legal framework, marking a significant development in Bangladesh's counterterrorism policy and political landscape.
Meanwhile, the Jatiya Sangsad on Wednesday passed another 12 bills, including the July Mass Uprising (Protection and Liability Determination) Act, 2026, the Code of Civil Procedure (Amendment) Act, 2026, and the Repeal of the Father of the Nation's Family Members Security Act, 2026, converting ordinances issued by the interim government into law during the 11th sitting of its first session.
The bills were presented by the respective ministers and state ministers on behalf of their ministries and approved through voice votes. Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad presided over the sessions.
During the morning session, the House passed several key legislative measures, including the Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Act, 2026, the Government Audit Act, 2026, the Protection and Conservation of Fish (Amendment) Act, 2026, the Sheikh Hasina Rural Development Academy, Jamalpur (Amendment) Act, 2026, and the Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (Amendment) Act, 2026.
In the afternoon session, lawmakers approved the July Mass Uprising (Protection and Liability Determination) Act, 2026, the Repeal of the Father of the Nation's Family Members Security Act, 2026, the Spatial Planning Act, 2026, and the Abandoned Houses (Supplementary Provisions) Act, 2026.
A second round of bills passed later in the day included the Special Security Force (Amendment) Act, 2026, the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (Amendment) Act, 2026, the Bangladesh Private Export Processing Zones (Repeal) Act, 2026, and the Code of Civil Procedure (Amendment) Act, 2026.
One of the most significant developments was the passage of the July Mass Uprising (Protection and Liability Determination) Act, 2026, presented by the Home Minister and adopted unanimously. Under the law, all civil and criminal cases filed against individuals involved in the uprising will be withdrawn, and no future legal proceedings can be initiated against them for their participation.
Another notable move was the repeal of the Father of the Nation's Family Members Security Act, 2009, which abolishes the special state security and privileges previously granted to certain family members. According to the bill's statement of objectives, the 2009 law had been enacted to provide lifelong security and state benefits to select family members but was later viewed as discriminatory. The interim government issued an ordinance to repeal the law on September 9, 2024, and the parliamentary approval now formalizes the repeal, terminating all legal obligations to provide state-sponsored security, housing, and other benefits to those beneficiaries.
