Shibbir Ahmed, New York — Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has submitted a formal communication to United Nations human-rights experts challenging the continued ban on the activities of the Bangladesh Awami League and seeking urgent international intervention, according to an announcement published by British barristers’ chambers Matrix Chambers on Tuesday.
The communication was submitted on Hasina’s behalf by barrister Steven Powles KC. It challenges restrictions imposed on the Awami League and argues that excluding the country’s former ruling party from political activities undermines fundamental rights, democratic participation and the ability of citizens to participate in public affairs.
According to Matrix Chambers, the submission questions the legality and proportionality of the restrictions and argues that the continued exclusion of the Awami League from electoral politics raises serious concerns about Bangladesh’s democratic process.
The communication reportedly cites provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, including protections for freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, association and participation in public affairs. It argues that the restrictions violate these internationally recognised rights and calls for action to address the situation.
The submission has reportedly been directed to three United Nations human-rights mandate holders: the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights while countering terrorism, the Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association, and the Independent Expert on the promotion of a democratic and equitable international order.
The communication urges the experts to examine the allegations and calls for free, fair and inclusive elections in Bangladesh. It also raises concerns about the political consequences of excluding a major political party and the ability of its supporters to exercise their fundamental rights.
The Awami League’s activities were prohibited by Bangladesh’s interim administration on May 12, 2025, pending the completion of proceedings against its leaders and activists before the International Crimes Tribunal. The restrictions cover the party’s political activities and have remained a contentious issue in the country’s political landscape.
The dispute comes amid continuing debates over accountability for alleged crimes during the former government, the treatment of political opponents and the restoration of democratic institutions. The communication challenges the restrictions on human-rights grounds, but its allegations and legal arguments should not be treated as findings already established by the United Nations.
UN Special Rapporteurs and independent experts can raise alleged violations with governments, request information and issue public statements. However, they do not have the direct authority to overturn domestic legal measures or independently order Bangladesh to restore the Awami League’s activities.
The submission therefore represents an attempt to bring international scrutiny to the restrictions rather than a confirmed decision by the United Nations to lift the ban. As of October 27, Matrix Chambers’ announcement did not report any decision by the UN experts on the specific communication.
The development could bring renewed international attention to the political and human-rights situation in Bangladesh, particularly questions concerning political participation, due process and the conditions necessary for inclusive elections.
