Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Thursday said the government does not intend to ban the Awami League (AL) through an executive order, insisting instead that the party's future should be determined through the legal process.

"This has been the BNP's longstanding position," he told reporters at the Home Ministry at the Secretariat.

Ahmed said the scope for prosecuting the Awami League as a political party was created following amendments to the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) Act, in line with Article 47 of the Constitution, allowing organisations to be tried for crimes against humanity, war crimes and genocide.

"Previously, only individuals could be tried under the law. Under the amended provisions, organisations can also be prosecuted," he said.

The minister alleged that the Awami League was responsible for crimes against humanity and genocide committed during the July Mass Uprising and said the party should face trial following a proper investigation.

He said that once the investigation is completed and a formal charge sheet is submitted to the tribunal, proceedings against the Awami League as a political party will begin.