UN Urged by 173 Lawyers to Revoke Awami League Ban

A group of 173 lawyers from the Cox’s Bazar District Bar Association have submitted a formal petition to the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, calling for the withdrawal of restrictions imposed on the political activities of the Awami League. The matter was disclosed in a joint statement issued on Monday (27 April).

According to the statement, the restrictions arise from the passage of the Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Bill–2026 by the National Parliament, under which the activities of the Awami League—one of the country’s oldest political parties—have been banned. The lawyers argue that this measure is inconsistent with Article 38 of the Constitution of Bangladesh, which guarantees freedom of association, and therefore constitutes a violation of fundamental rights.

The statement further maintains that prohibiting a political party with a historically significant role—referencing its involvement in the Language Movement, the Six-Point Movement, the mass uprising, and the Liberation War—without due judicial process breaches the principles of natural justice. The signatories emphasise that such actions should be subject to transparent legal procedures and proper judicial review.

In their petition, the lawyers also highlight Bangladesh’s obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), to which the country is a signatory. They contend that the enactment of the amended law undermines these international commitments, particularly those relating to political participation and democratic rights.

The petition has been submitted to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights with the stated objective of raising international awareness of the issue. The lawyers assert that the matter warrants global attention due to its implications for constitutional governance and the rule of law.

They also express concern that maintaining the ban could create uncertainty in Bangladesh’s diplomatic relations and may have negative consequences for regional stability and security. The statement underscores the importance of ensuring that domestic legislation remains aligned with constitutional provisions and international human rights standards.

Key Details of the Petition

The lawyers reiterate that their appeal seeks a review of the restrictions through appropriate legal and international channels, with the aim of ensuring compliance with both constitutional guarantees and international human rights obligations.