Should the Ban on the Awami League in Yunus-led Bangladesh Be Lifted?
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Key Takeaways
- Urgent appeal made to the UN for lifting the Awami League ban.
- Violence against supporters of the Awami League is escalating.
- The interim administration is accused of granting immunity to perpetrators of violence.
- Upcoming elections are uncertain amid ongoing restrictions.
- Concerns about human rights violations and the rule of law in Bangladesh.
London, Aug 10 (NationPress) A formal appeal has been made for immediate action regarding the ban imposed on the Awami League, led by President Sheikh Hasina, in Bangladesh. This request was submitted to the UN Independent Expert on the Promotion of a Democratic International Order and various UN Special Rapporteurs by two lawyers from Doughty Street Chambers.
In their plea, Steven Powles KC and Alex Tinsley from Doughty Street Chambers have urged the Independent Expert and other Rapporteurs to press the Yunus-led interim administration to revoke the ban on the Awami League, thereby allowing the party to engage fully in upcoming elections in Bangladesh.
Doughty Street Chambers is a prominent British set of barristers' chambers located in Bristol, Manchester, and London.
The lawyers also called upon the independent experts to demand that the interim government conduct free and fair elections in Bangladesh as a matter of urgency, as stated by Doughty Street Chambers.
Supporters of the Awami League, as well as associated minorities in Bangladesh, have been subjected to widespread violence since Chief Advisor Mohammad Yunus took office in August of the previous year.
The statement highlights that these acts of violence have gone largely unpunished and that the interim administration has granted blanket immunity to the perpetrators.
The Yunus administration has announced plans for elections in February 2026; however, it is uncertain whether this promise will be fulfilled.
Currently, the interim administration has prohibited the Awami League from participating in elections and imposed restrictions on all of its activities until the completion of legal proceedings against the leaders of Sheikh Hasina's party at the Bangladesh International Crimes Tribunal.
The urgent appeal to the UN Independent Expert emphasizes how the interim administration's actions against the Awami League violate fundamental human rights, undermine the rule of law, and threaten democracy in Bangladesh.
Additionally, according to a local media report from August 5, Bangladesh police have detained another 1,593 Awami League leaders and activists during a nationwide crackdown under the Yunus-led regime.
Furthermore, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) arrested 11 Awami League activists during raids across the capital on August 5.
One of the arrested is Kamal Pasha Chowdhury, an online Awami League blogger and activist, as reported by leading Bangladeshi daily Samakal.
All detained individuals are facing multiple criminal charges related to protests from July of last year. Condemning Chowdhury's arrest, Awami League leader and former Minister Mohammad Arafat described it as unjust on social media.
Previously, the Awami League's media cell reported a disturbing rise in fake legal cases, mob violence, and political retribution under the Yunus administration.
The party has highlighted a collapse of the justice system in Bangladesh amidst a tsunami of fabricated cases following the ousting of the democratically elected Awami League government led by Sheikh Hasina.
Point of View
I believe the ongoing situation in Bangladesh regarding the Awami League's ban raises serious questions about governance and human rights. The call for a democratic process is essential in any nation, and the international community must pay attention to these developments to support the establishment of justice and fairness.
NationPress
04/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current status of the Awami League in Bangladesh?
The Awami League is currently banned from participating in elections and facing restrictions on its activities imposed by the Yunus-led interim administration.
What action has been taken by international bodies?
Two lawyers from Doughty Street Chambers have submitted an appeal to the UN Independent Expert urging the lifting of the ban on the Awami League.
What has been the reaction to the arrests of Awami League members?
The arrests have been condemned by party leaders, who describe them as unjust and indicative of a broader crackdown on political dissent.
When are elections expected to take place in Bangladesh?
Elections are currently scheduled for February 2026, although the interim administration's commitment to this timeline is uncertain.
How have the supporters of the Awami League been treated under the current administration?
Supporters of the Awami League have faced widespread violence and oppression, with many incidents going unpunished.
