173 lawyers submit petition to UN High Commissioner for lifting Awami League ban

A group of 173 lawyers from Cox's Bazar have jointly appealed to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, demanding the lifting of the ban imposed on the Awami League.

According to sources, a statement titled "Demand for lifting the ban on Bangladesh Awami League activities as it contradicts democratic pluralism, Article 38 of the Constitution, and fundamental rights– a joint statement by lawyers of Cox's Bazar district" was published on April 19. Following this, a formal petition was submitted to the head of the UN Human Rights Office in Dhaka on April 22.

The lawyers alleged in the statement that the recently passed "Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Bill 2026" in parliament is unconstitutional and strikes at the country's democratic framework. They argued that banning a political party without following proper judicial processes violates Article 38 of the Constitution and the principles of natural justice.

The lawyers further noted that Bangladesh is a signatory to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, claiming that the ban on the Awami League undermines this international commitment.

Referring to the Awami League as an integral part of the country's liberation struggle and state-building history, the lawyers warned that banning the party could negatively impact international diplomatic ties and pose risks to regional stability.

In their appeal, the lawyers maintained that the fate of any political party should be left to the people rather than being determined through administrative or legal procedures.

Elected Awami League-backed leaders of the Cox's Bazar District Bar Association and the signatory lawyers confirmed the matter, stating, "We demand the immediate withdrawal of the ban imposed on the Bangladesh Awami League."