Bangladesh's interim government has banned the Awami League, the political party of deposed former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, under the country's Anti-Terrorism Act due to national security concerns.

The prohibition comes after the National Citizen Party, along with Islamist and right-wing groups, staged escalating demonstrations demanding that the party be labeled a terrorist organization. The government stated that the ban will remain in place until the Awami League and its officials are tried for alleged involvement in protester deaths, according to Reuters.

A new amendment to the International Crimes Tribunal Act allows political parties to be prosecuted as entities, clearing the way for the trial.

The Awami League declared the ruling unlawful and challenged the temporary government's authority, Reuters reported.