Dhaka, April 16, 2026 — More than 900 lawyers from the Supreme Court of Bangladesh and courts across the country have strongly protested the recent move to ban the political activities of the Awami League through the Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Bill, 2026, describing it as a “black law” and “authoritarian.”
In a joint statement issued on Tuesday under the banner of “Combined Lawyers,” the signatories rejected the legislation, saying it delivers a severe blow to Bangladesh’s constitutional and democratic framework.
“The political activities of the Awami League have been banned through this unconstitutional black law. As citizens who believe in the rule of law and constitutional continuity, we view this as a grave assault on the judicial and democratic structure of Bangladesh,” the statement read.
The lawyers argued that banning a political party without providing an opportunity for defense or following due judicial process directly violates Article 38 of the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of association. They also said the move contradicts the widely recognized Principle of Natural Justice, which ensures fairness and due process in legal proceedings.
Additionally, the statement noted that as a signatory to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), Bangladesh is bound to uphold political freedoms and rights. The passage of the amendment law, they said, undermines those international commitments.
Highlighting the historical significance of the Awami League, the lawyers said the party played a central role in Bangladesh’s independence and remains an integral part of the nation’s history and political tradition. Any attempt to erase it from politics, they warned, amounts to denying the legacy of the Liberation War and the country’s very foundation.
The statement further described the decision as politically motivated, alleging it reflects a “clear authoritarian mindset” rather than a routine administrative action. “This is not merely a policy decision—it is a direct attack on multi-party democracy,” it said.
Concluding their statement, the lawyers emphasized that the fate of any political party should be determined by the people through democratic processes, not by legislative or executive measures.
The statement was signed by hundreds of senior advocates, barristers, and legal practitioners from across Bangladesh, reflecting widespread concern within the legal community over the implications of the new law.
