Sheikh Hasina Appeals to UN Special Rapporteurs Over Ban on Awami League

Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has submitted a written appeal to United Nations special rapporteurs, expressing serious concern over the continued ban on her party, the Awami League, and calling for urgent intervention.

The appeal was submitted on Hasina’s behalf by lawyer Steven Powles Casey KC (King’s Counsel). It alleges that Bangladesh’s interim administration initially imposed the ban on the Awami League, which was subsequently retained and formalised by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) government led by Tarique Rahman.

According to the submission, the Awami League was barred from participating in the February 2026 parliamentary election despite what it describes as significant public support for the party in Bangladesh. The appeal argues that excluding the party undermined the election’s credibility as a free, fair and inclusive process and raises questions about the legitimacy of the results.

The submission further contends that holding elections and seeking to consolidate democratic governance while legally excluding a major political party and its affiliated organisations is constitutionally inconsistent. It argues that the exclusion has effectively deprived a substantial section of the population of the opportunity to exercise their political rights.

The appeal also raises concerns about the difficulties the Awami League allegedly faces in challenging the ban through Bangladesh’s courts. It claims that the restrictions, along with ongoing attacks against the party’s supporters, have created obstacles to securing legal representation and filing legal complaints.

Alleged Violations of International Human Rights Law

The submission argues that the ban violates several provisions of international human rights law, including Articles 19, 21, 22 and 25 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).

These provisions protect freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, freedom of association and the right to participate in public affairs, respectively.

The appeal also questions the legal basis and stated purpose of the ban, alleging that it lacks a sound legal foundation and was imposed by a government whose electoral legitimacy is disputed in the submission.

Furthermore, it characterises the restrictions as part of a broader pattern of alleged attacks against Awami League members and individuals associated with the party. The submission maintains that the ban is disproportionate and lacks adequate safeguards against potential abuse.

Appeal for Urgent UN Intervention

Hasina’s submission requests urgent intervention by three UN mandate holders:

• The Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism.
• The Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association.
• The Independent Expert on the promotion of a democratic and equitable international order.

The appeal asks the experts to take urgent action and issue a public statement calling for free, fair and inclusive elections in Bangladesh.

The allegations and legal arguments outlined in the submission represent the position presented on Hasina’s behalf. The submission itself does not establish that the alleged human rights violations or legal breaches have been independently confirmed by the United Nations.