Paris, France | 28 April, 2026: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) strongly condemns the decision of the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) to cancel the nomination papers of more than 42 lawyers allegedly affiliated with the Awami League, effectively barring them from contesting the upcoming SCBA elections scheduled for May 13–14, 2026.
JMBF strongly believes that this decision is not only unjust; it is a blatant and dangerous attack on the core principles of democracy, the rule of law, and the independence of the legal profession. The exclusion of candidates based on alleged political affiliation constitutes political discrimination that has no place in any credible legal institution.
According to news published in different media outlets and information verified by reliable sources of JMBF, on Tuesday, April 28, the SCBA cancelled the nomination papers of more than 20 candidates allegedly affiliated with the Awami League.
Earlier, on Sunday, April 26, the SCBA ad hoc committee, at an extraordinary general meeting held at the bar auditorium, decided to bar pro–Awami League lawyers from participating in the election. Around 300 lawyers attended the meeting, most of whom were reportedly supporters of the BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and the Bangladesh Citizens Party (NCP).
It has also been reported that around 100 pro–BNP, Jamaat, and NCP lawyers had earlier requested the bar leadership to convene the meeting to decide on barring pro–Awami League lawyers from contesting the election, citing the ban on the party’s activities.
Under this decision, lawyers who are supporters of the Sammilita Ainjibi Samannay Parishad, backed by the Awami League, and who have held positions within those bodies will not be permitted to run in the SCBA polls.
Advocate Shahanur Islam, Founder President of JMBF, stated
, “By imposing such restrictions, the SCBA has abandoned its duty to uphold fairness and neutrality and has instead chosen to act as an instrument of political exclusion. This move sets a deeply troubling precedent, transforming a professional body into a platform for partisan control and silencing dissenting voices within the legal community.”
JMBF is particularly outraged by the requirement that lawyers must formally declare non-affiliation with a specific political party in order to be eligible to contest. This is a coercive and unacceptable condition that directly violates the fundamental right to freedom of association and expression. Such measures reflect authoritarian tendencies and undermine the very foundations of a free and independent legal profession.
In addition, JMBF believes that the circumstances surrounding this decision—driven by politically aligned groups and lacking genuine inclusivity—raise serious concerns about the legitimacy, transparency, and integrity of the process. What should have been a fair and democratic exercise has instead been reduced to a politically motivated exclusionary mechanism.
JMBF unequivocally asserts that no lawyer should be denied the right to participate in professional elections on political grounds. The legal profession must not be weaponized to serve partisan interests.
JMBF therefore demands:
- The immediate and unconditional reversal of this unlawful and discriminatory decision;
- The reinstatement of all disqualified candidates, ensuring a free, fair, and inclusive electoral process;
- Accountability for those responsible for undermining the independence and credibility of the SCBA;
JMBF also urges urgent attention from the national and international legal community to confront and resist this erosion of democratic and professional norms.
JMBF warns that such actions, if left unchallenged, will have far-reaching consequences for the independence of the legal profession and the rule of law in Bangladesh.
JMBF remains steadfast in its commitment to justice, fundamental rights, and the protection of democratic values.
