In Paris, a prominent international human‑rights group addressed the UN Special Rapporteur, voicing deep concern about Bangladesh’s decision to ban the Awami League and the subsequent revocation of the party’s registration by the Election Commission.
Justice Makers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) lodged a formal complaint with the Office of the UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and Association, urging the global community to intervene urgently and help restore democratic norms in the country.
The organization explained that the March 12 decree, issued by the Muhammad Yunus‑led interim government under the Anti‑Terrorism Act, effectively shut down all political activities of the Awami League. This move also halted the party’s participation in the February 2026 elections by restricting meetings, protests, publications, and online engagement.
JMBF highlighted a sweeping crackdown on party leaders, activists and supporters, warning that the ongoing suppression constitutes a grave attack on civil and political freedoms, including the right to assemble, associate, express, and vote.
Drawing on independent monitoring reports, the rights body noted that more than 350,000 party affiliates have been subjected to politically motivated cases, and at least 130,000 individuals have been arrested since the previous Awami League‑ruled government ended.
“Operations such as ‘Operation Devil Hunt’ and nationwide police drives have targeted peaceful protesters, flash rallies, and party meetings, creating a climate of fear and repression,” the JMBF said. “The interim government has justified its actions on the grounds of national security and ongoing trials under the International Crimes (Tribunals) Act.”
The organization stressed that employing anti‑terrorism legislation to silence political opposition runs counter to international human‑rights standards, erodes political pluralism, and jeopardizes the democratic process.
JMBF urged Bangladeshi authorities to lift the blanket ban on the Awami League and its affiliated wings or, at minimum, modify it to allow peaceful political activity, assembly, and expression in line with global human‑rights norms.
It also called for the dismissal or review of all “politically motivated or arbitrary charges and detentions” against members of the party and its affiliated wings, especially those taken into custody for participating in peaceful protests, flash rallies, or simply expressing support for the Awami League.
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