Sheikh Hasina, the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, has reached out to United Nations special rapporteurs regarding the ongoing ban on the Awami League from participating in the electoral process. This communication, which was made public by Matrix Chambers, highlights her concerns about the implications of this ban on democratic participation and the political rights of a significant portion of the Bangladeshi populace.

In her correspondence, Hasina emphasises the urgent need for international intervention, arguing that the exclusion of the Awami League undermines the democratic framework of the country. She points out that the ban was initially instituted by an interim administration and has since been formalised by the current government, led by Tarique Rahman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).

The BNP assumed power following elections in February 2026, during which the Awami League was barred from contesting. Hasina’s communication asserts that these elections were neither free nor fair, despite the considerable support for the Awami League among the electorate.

Democratic Implications of the Ban

The communication details how the ongoing prohibition of the Awami League places Bangladesh in a precarious constitutional situation as it endeavours to conduct elections and strengthen democratic governance. Hasina argues that preventing a major political party from participating in elections effectively disenfranchises a large segment of the population, denying its supporters the chance to be represented in the political arena.

Moreover, the correspondence raises serious concerns about the challenges faced in contesting the ban through domestic legal channels. It notes that the prohibition, coupled with ongoing hostility towards Awami League supporters, has severely hindered the party’s ability to engage legal representation and pursue a judicial challenge.

The communication further underscores the broader implications of the ban on the political landscape in Bangladesh, suggesting that it could lead to increased political instability and unrest if not addressed promptly.

International Human Rights Violations Cited

In her communication, Hasina argues that the ban contravenes four specific provisions of international human rights law. These include Article 19, which safeguards freedom of expression; Article 21, which guarantees the right to peaceful assembly; Article 22, which protects freedom of association; and Article 25, which ensures political rights. She contends that the ban fails to comply with the criteria for lawful restrictions on these fundamental rights.

According to Hasina’s correspondence, the prohibition was enacted by an administration whose successor government came to power through elections that excluded the Awami League. The communication claims that the ban lacks a legitimate purpose, is disproportionate, and does not provide sufficient safeguards for those affected.

Additionally, the correspondence alleges that the ban is part of a broader pattern of attacks against Awami League members and their associates, further exacerbating the political climate in Bangladesh.

Call for Urgent Action from UN

Hasina’s communication urges three UN human rights mandate holders to take immediate action regarding the ongoing ban. These include 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 Association, and the Independent Expert on the Promotion of a Democratic and Equitable International Order.

She requests that these officials issue a public statement advocating for free, fair, and inclusive elections in Bangladesh, highlighting the exclusion of the Awami League as a critical issue that needs urgent attention.

This appeal reflects Hasina’s commitment to restoring democratic norms in Bangladesh and ensuring that all political voices are heard in the electoral process.

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