The European Bar Council has expressed its concern to the Prime Minister over the alleged obstruction in the Bangladesh Bar Elections

Hakikul Islam Khokon

Complaints of cancellation of nominations, harassment and obstruction of participation; A call to ensure fair elections and safe environment.
Council of Bars and Law Societies of Europe (CCBE), the top organization of bar and law societies in Europe, has expressed deep concern over the allegations of irregularities, obstruction and harassment in various district bar associations of Bangladesh and Supreme Court bar elections.

On Thursday (April 30), the organization sent a formal letter to the Prime Minister in this regard. The letter signed by CCBE president Roman Javorshek said that according to the information received from France-based human rights organization 'Justice Makers Bangladesh' (JMBF), lawyers have been prevented from participating in the district bar and Supreme Court bar elections in the country from February to April 2026. Khabar Ibn News.

Awami League-backed and independent candidates were barred from filing nominations, many were physically harassed and their nomination papers were canceled after being branded as 'fascist collaborators', the complaint said. Apart from this, allegations of applying pressure to withdraw the nomination of candidates through law and order forces were also raised.

The letter drew attention to Articles 16, 17, 18 and 23 of the UN's “Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers” and said—
It is the responsibility of the state to ensure the safety of lawyers and create a fear-free working environment for them. Lawyers should have full freedom of expression and association. Also, a lawyer cannot be seen to be aligned with his client or political ideology due to professional obligations.

CCBE also said that Bangladesh has been called upon to sign and ratify the 'Convention on the Protection of the Legal Profession' recently adopted by the European Council. According to the organization, the convention will play an important role in maintaining the independence of the judiciary and the rule of law.

At the end of the letter, three main calls were made to the Bangladesh government—
First, equal and non-discriminatory participation of all lawyers in bar elections should be ensured.
Second, electoral irregularities,Allegations of obstruction and violence must be investigated impartially.
Third, it must be ensured that lawyers can perform their professional duties without fear of harassment or reprisal.

Notably, this Brussels-based international organization represents the bar associations of 46 European countries and works to protect lawyers at risk and establish the rule of law worldwide. Related sources said,Apart from the Prime Minister's office, copies of the letter have also been sent to various important departments.