Dhaka, May 2, 2026
Allegations have emerged of irregularities, vote manipulation, and obstruction of candidates in bar association elections across several districts of Bangladesh,
as well as in the Supreme Court Bar Association. In response to these allegations, the Council of Bars and Law Societies of Europe (CCBE), a leading European organization of lawyers, has expressed concern.
Calling for a proper investigation into the allegations and an end to undemocratic practices in the legal arena, CCBE President Roman Završek sent a letter to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Thursday (April 30). The organization represents more than one million lawyers from 46 countries.
The letter, titled “Irregularities in Several District Bar Elections,” has also been published on the organization’s official Facebook page.
Citing information from JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France, the letter states that a severely undemocratic environment prevailed in multiple district bar and Supreme Court Bar Association elections held between February and April this year.
The letter specifically alleges that lawyers affiliated with the Awami League and independent candidates were not allowed to participate in the elections. Obstacles were created in submitting nominations, and some candidates were physically harassed. Additionally, many candidates were labeled as “associates of the previous government” or “allies of fascists,” leading to the rejection of their nomination papers.
It is also claimed that police directly intervened and pressured candidates to withdraw their candidacies.
In the letter, CCBE placed three specific demands before the Bangladesh government: ensuring equal and non-discriminatory participation of all lawyers in bar elections; conducting a fair and impartial investigation into allegations of irregularities, obstruction, and violence; and ensuring that lawyers can carry out their professional duties freely without fear, intimidation, or harassment.
In support of these demands, the organization referred to Articles 16, 17, 18, and 23 of the United Nations Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers, which guarantee the safety, independence, and freedom of expression of legal professionals.
The organization also called on Bangladesh to sign and ratify the Council of Europe’s new convention on the protection of the legal profession.
