Allegations of political exclusion, intimidation, and electoral obstruction in bar association elections in Bangladesh have raised concerns. Justice Makers Bangladesh in France documented a pattern of suppression targeting lawyers linked to the Awami League and its affiliated organizations. The incidents, spanning from February 17 to May 30, were not isolated but part of a growing trend affecting legal institutions, including the Supreme Court Bar Association.
The report highlighted irregularities in 23 bar association elections, impacting around 365 lawyers and candidates across 334 executive committee positions. Forced “non-contestation” emerged as a common issue in 14 bar associations, affecting approximately 188 lawyers. Many lawyers aligned with the Awami League reportedly refrained from contesting due to fears of false criminal cases, arrests, threats, and intimidation.
The documented pattern of exclusion and intimidation poses risks to the independence of the legal profession and democratic governance in Bangladesh. Bar associations play a crucial role in safeguarding judicial independence and ensuring accountability within the justice system. The call has been made for free, fair, transparent, and inclusive bar association elections to be ensured by relevant stakeholders.
JMBF urged the government, bar association authorities, and judicial institutions to safeguard the rights of lawyers to participate freely without fear of intimidation or political retaliation. It also emphasized the importance of monitoring developments affecting the independence of the legal profession in Bangladesh.
