Twelve leading international human rights organizations have urged the lifting of the ban imposed on the Awami League to help restore democratic politics and fundamental rights in Bangladesh. They argued that keeping the country’s oldest and largest political party banned will hinder democratic progress and disrupt political balance.
Human Rights Watch, CIVICUS, Fortify Rights, Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), and the Tech Global Institute jointly sent an open letter to Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser, Dr. Muhammad Yunus. The letter was published on the Human Rights Watch website.
At the outset, the organizations acknowledged some positive steps taken by the current interim government. However, they warned that to strengthen democracy, political inclusion must be ensured and the rights of all parties equally recognized.
The letter presented 12 recommendations to the government, one of which called for lifting the ban on the Awami League. The organizations stated that in the interest of democratic freedom and multiparty politics, no political party should remain prohibited. Citing a February 2025 UN report, they said, “To re-establish democracy, it is essential to refrain from banning political parties.” They further argued that keeping a historic political organization like the Awami League away from the political process would weaken stability and deepen societal divisions.
The letter also noted that while it is necessary to investigate past human rights abuses, it is equally urgent to stop ongoing arbitrary arrests and politically motivated cases. Other recommendations included reforming the security sector, abolishing the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), enacting an anti-enforced disappearance law, restructuring the National Human Rights Commission, ensuring freedom of expression, reviewing political cases, protecting Rohingya refugees, and enhancing cooperation with the International Criminal Court (ICC).
The organizations stressed that rebuilding Bangladesh’s democratic process requires the participation of all political parties. They said an inclusive election cannot take place while the ban on the Awami League remains in force. To ensure stability and justice, they called on the government to foster a culture of reconciliation rather than political retaliation.
Following the publication of the letter, political analysts and human rights experts described it as a positive signal for Bangladesh. They noted that the international community’s renewed recognition of the Awami League’s role in the country’s independence and development is an encouraging sign for democracy.
International observers also said that banning the party which led the liberation struggle and guided national development contradicts democratic principles. Therefore, the joint call from these rights organizations underscores that lifting the ban on the Awami League is now essential to ensure democratic progress and restore political balance in Bangladesh.
Analysts added that the initiative could mark a turning point not only for the Awami League but also for the broader trajectory of Bangladesh’s politics, human rights, and democracy.
