Paris, April 18: A prominent international human rights organization has raised serious concerns regarding alleged bias in the Bangladesh Bar Association elections. The organization has accused the administration of irregularities and discriminatory practices. They claim that the elections were influenced solely by political ideologies, resulting in the disqualification of candidates perceived to be supporters of the Awami League.
Justice Makers Bangladesh (JMBF), based in France, has alleged that these lawyers are being prevented from participating in the elections. The organization highlighted police interference in various districts, including Munshiganj, Manikganj, Thakurgaon, Panchagarh, Jhalokati, Khulna, Narail, and Sunamganj, under the government of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).
Expressing grave concern, the human rights group has called for an environment where lawyers of all faiths can exercise their democratic rights. They have also urged for strict action against those who do not adhere to legal processes, advocating for an international investigation under the direct supervision of the United Nations Human Rights Council.
According to JMBF, these incidents are not isolated but part of a systematic process aimed at politically isolating a segment of the judicial community, deliberately excluding them from professional and democratic procedures.
The organization stated, “As a result, the fundamental character of the Bar Association as an independent professional body is being undermined, risking public trust in the judicial system.”
The rights body emphasized that such actions are entirely unacceptable given the current legal framework and fundamental principles of justice in the country.
JMBF asserted, “The Bar Association should operate as a self-governing professional body, based on values of neutrality, transparency, and equal rights. However, the opposite is occurring. Candidates are being disqualified without hearings, investigations, or opportunities to defend themselves, which is a clear violation of the principles of natural justice and due process. Furthermore, direct or indirect interference by the administration and law enforcement agencies constitutes an abuse of power and severely undermines the rule of law.”
JMBF expressed concern over the use of “politically sensitive and ambiguous terminology” to pressure lawyers, warning that election officials are losing their neutrality. In many cases, elections are being conducted unopposed, rendering the democratic process a mere “farce.”
The organization warned that if this trend continues, it poses a serious threat to the freedom of the legal profession and the fairness of the justice system.
The human rights organization has called upon the United Nations, international human rights bodies, the Bar Council, and global institutions advocating for the rule of law to pay attention to the situation of the Bangladesh Bar Association and take necessary actions.
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Arpit Soni has had a passion for journalism since the beginning. Now he has turned this hobby into his profession. Arpit, who is a resident of Udaipur, enjoys editing and writing news related to journalism. He has worked as a Senior Content Producer in several important roles at Bhaskar, Patrika, Pratahkal, Punjab Kesari, and Times. Arpit completed his schooling in Udaipur and Jaipur. He has been working in the media industry for more than 10 years, and his journey is still continuing. ✍️📚
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