The International Observatory of Lawyers in Danger (OIAD) has issued a strong condemnation of the increasing incidents of judicial harassment, intimidation, and politically motivated discrimination against lawyers in Bangladesh. In a statement released recently, OIAD described the repression as part of a coordinated strategy that severely undermines the independence of the legal profession and access to justice in the country.
Formed through a joint initiative of the National Bar Council of France, the Paris Bar, the General Council of Spanish Lawyers, and the National Forensic Council of Italy, the OIAD expressed deep concern over the alarming trend of baseless and politically charged criminal cases filed against several Bangladeshi lawyers. These charges reportedly include murder, violence, use of explosives, and disruption of public order—accusations OIAD asserts are fabricated and aimed at silencing legal professionals.
Among the accused are prominent lawyers known for their integrity and commitment to justice, now facing an environment where independent legal practice is increasingly risky. OIAD warns that this wave of repression creates a chilling effect, weakening the rule of law and endangering the very foundations of democracy in Bangladesh.
The situation escalated further on March 29, 2025, when 13 lawyers intending to run in the Dinajpur Bar Association elections were arbitrarily disqualified by the Chief Election Commissioner. The disqualification was based solely on the candidates’ alleged political affiliations, without any legal or procedural justification. OIAD described this act as politically influenced and lacking any statutory or constitutional basis, amounting to a direct violation of democratic processes within professional legal institutions.
Citing Articles 27 and 31 of the Constitution of Bangladesh, which guarantee equality before the law and protection under the law, OIAD called the exclusion an unconstitutional breach of rights. The organization urged the Bangladeshi authorities to immediately cease all acts of harassment and politically motivated prosecutions against lawyers. It also demanded the reinstatement of the disqualified candidates’ right to participate in bar elections.
In its statement, OIAD emphasized that protecting the independence of the legal profession is a fundamental obligation of every state, as enshrined in the UN Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers. It reiterated that no democratic state can function without a free, independent, and secure legal profession, warning that the current situation in Bangladesh is drawing serious international concern.
The OIAD called on the global community to closely monitor developments in Bangladesh and to advocate for the protection of lawyers facing political retaliation simply for upholding the rule of law.