The Commonwealth Lawyers Association (CLA) and LAWASIA have expressed serious concern over reports of alleged interference in the elections of the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) of Bangladesh, warning that such developments threaten the independence of the legal profession and the rule of law.
In a joint statement, the two organizations said they had received reports that several qualified lawyers were prevented from contesting SCBA elections despite fulfilling the eligibility requirements set out in the association’s constitution. According to the statement, nominations were allegedly rejected without hearings, written explanations, formal decisions, or any effective avenue for appeal.
CLA and LAWASIA also highlighted allegations that some lawyers were denied nominations because of their perceived political affiliations, with certain candidates reportedly labeled as “collaborators of fascists.”
The statement further referred to reports indicating that approximately 200 lawyers associated with a political party currently banned under Bangladesh’s Anti-Terrorism Act have been unable to participate in at least 13 bar association elections since January 2026.
The organizations additionally raised concerns over reports that former judges of Bangladesh’s Supreme Court and practicing lawyers have been named in multiple criminal cases involving serious allegations. Some of these cases, according to reports received by the organizations, are alleged to be fictitious and politically motivated. CLA and LAWASIA also cited claims of criminal intimidation and threats against members of the legal profession.
Recalling the United Nations Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers (1990), the organizations stressed that lawyers must be able to perform their professional duties free from intimidation, harassment, and improper interference, while enjoying the rights to freedom of expression, association, and participation in public affairs.
The joint statement called on the Government of Bangladesh, the Supreme Court Bar Association, the Bangladesh Bar Council, and other relevant authorities to ensure the immediate cessation of any interference in bar association elections and to guarantee that all elections are conducted freely, fairly, and in accordance with applicable constitutional rules.
The organizations also urged authorities to ensure that all qualified lawyers can stand for election without discrimination, provide written reasons and appeal mechanisms for rejected nominations, and review criminal cases alleged to have been filed for political purposes or professional intimidation.
Reaffirming the importance of an independent legal profession, CLA and LAWASIA said such independence remains essential to the rule of law, access to justice, and the protection of human rights.
The statement was jointly signed by CLA President Steven Thiru and LAWASIA President Yap Teong Liang. Both organizations said they would continue monitoring developments in Bangladesh and called on the international legal community to support efforts aimed at protecting judicial independence and professional freedoms.
