UN Letter Expresses Concern Over Ban on Awami League in Bangladesh

The United Nations has expressed deep concern over the banning of the Bangladesh Awami League, disproportionate restrictions on the party’s political speech and gatherings, mass arrests, and alleged violations of the right to a fair trial. These issues were outlined in an official letter sent on December 29 to the interim government led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus.

The letter was signed by UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights while countering terrorism Ben Saul, Vice-Chair for Communications of the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention Matthew Gillett, and UN Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers Margaret Satterthwaite.

UN experts stated that these measures may impose “unnecessary and disproportionate restrictions” on freedoms of association, peaceful assembly, expression, participation in public affairs, and fair trial rights under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).

The letter noted that following a legal amendment in May 2025, all activities of the Awami League were officially banned until the completion of proceedings at the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) against Sheikh Hasina and other party leaders. The ban covers political activities, public meetings, publications, media broadcasts, and participation in elections. The Election Commission has cancelled the party’s registration, preventing it from contesting national elections.

The experts warned that banning a political party is one of the most severe restrictions on freedom of association and should be used only in highly exceptional circumstances.

The letter expressed concern over restrictions on the Awami League’s communications and publicity, including the suspension of broadcasting Sheikh Hasina’s speeches and the prohibition of “any form of promotion” linked to relevant individuals or entities under amended anti-terrorism laws. Experts said such broad restrictions risk suppressing political debate rather than specifically targeting incitement or violence.

On assemblies and elections, the letter cautioned that blanket bans on gatherings in support of the Awami League are disproportionate. Excluding a major political party from elections weakens the foundation of multiparty democracy and risks depriving voters of the right to choose their representatives.

UN experts also raised concerns over allegations of mass arrests of individuals identified as affiliated with the Awami League, including journalists and lawyers. The letter further highlighted concerns about deaths in police custody, signs of torture on some bodies, and reports of “blanket impunity” granted to certain perpetrators of violence following the political changes in August 2024. They stated that such blanket impunity is inconsistent with international law.

Serious concerns were also expressed about guarantees of a fair trial at the International Crimes Tribunal in the case of Sheikh Hasina. These include obstacles to appointing a lawyer of choice, inadequate time to prepare a defense, and the political context of the proceedings. Experts warned that if fair trial standards are violated, any death penalty imposed could be considered “arbitrary” under international law.

The UN letter posed 10 detailed questions to the Bangladesh government, including what “specific, present, and real risk” justified the party-wide ban on the Awami League, how long the ban will remain in place, what legal remedies are available against it, and what safeguards are in place to ensure fair trial rights and political pluralism ahead of elections.

The letter stated that any government response would be made public within 60 days. It called on Bangladesh to review and reconsider the measures taken.

UN experts emphasized that individuals accused of serious crimes should be held accountable through fair trials in independent and impartial courts. At the same time, they cautioned against collective political restrictions that affect an entire party, its supporters, and the overall democratic process.

This letter is an official communication sent by three UN mandate holders. They stated that completely banning the Awami League, restricting its meetings, speeches, publications, social media activities, and participation in elections may conflict with international human rights law.

Their core message is that if someone has committed a crime, they can be tried individually, but shutting down an entire political party in this manner—without proper notice, hearing, or an effective opportunity for appeal is a matter of serious concern. They also expressed concern over mass arrests, custodial torture, suspicious deaths, and the fairness of proceedings at the International Crimes Tribunal. In simple terms, the letter states that justice must be fair, individual-based, and conducted in accordance with due process of law.