Around 200 lawyers with Awami League affiliations have reportedly been barred or prevented from contesting elections in at least 13 bar associations across Bangladesh since January 2026. Some were allegedly prevented from collecting or submitting nomination papers, while others had their nominations cancelled by election commissions.
The issue became highly visible in the Supreme Court Bar Association election on 13-14 May 2026. This election is technically non-partisan but lawyers form panels that are associated with certain political parties. Pro-Awami League lawyers were barred from contesting this election, with the association citing the ban on Awami League activities under the Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Act, 2025. In that election, the BNP-backed Blue Panel won 13 of 14 posts, reinforcing concerns that exclusions may have distorted professional electoral competition.
Bar associations are professional civic institutions linked to the rule of law, access to justice, rights protection and legal accountability. Excluding lawyers from professional elections based on alleged political affiliation, particularly without transparent and individualised due process, may undermine freedom of association, equal professional participation and pluralism within the legal sector. Civil and professional voices have raised concerns, including the Democratic Lawyers Association of Bangladesh, which demanded cancellation of the Supreme Court Bar Association election and a fresh schedule. The Council of Bars and Law Societies of Europe also wrote to Bangladesh’s Prime Minister expressing concern over alleged irregularities in several district bar elections.