Saturday, March 29, 2025
US Lawmakers Warn Bangladesh’s Interim Chief Yunus: ‘Lift Ban on Awami League, Or Else…’
In a significant development ahead of Bangladesh’s general elections in February, a group of American lawmakers has sent a letter to the country’s interim government chief, Muhammad Yunus, urging him to curb what they describe as his “increasingly autocratic” actions and to lift the ban on the Awami League party. This move is seen as potentially smoothing the path for the return of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Key Demands of the Letter
The letter, authored by US legislators, emphasizes the necessity for free and fair elections. It explicitly calls for the ban on the Awami League to be rescinded, arguing that all political parties must be allowed to participate. The lawmakers cautioned that banning a major political party weakens democracy within a nation.
The ban was imposed by Bangladesh’s interim government in July following widespread student-led protests. While the US lawmakers stated they understand the interim government’s role during a national crisis, they contended that collectively blaming a party violates human rights.
The letter also warned that restricting political activities and initiating an International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) in a similar manner could undermine the electoral process.
Context and Reactions
This correspondence follows a phone conversation between Yunus and US Special Envoy Sergio Gor, where they discussed trade, tariffs, the upcoming elections, and the murder of student leader Sharif Uddin Osman Hadi.
In response to the letter and surrounding discourse, Yunus stated that the country is fully prepared for the elections scheduled for February 12 and that his government will ensure free, impartial, and peaceful voting. He also accused supporters of “autocratic rule” (a veiled reference to Sheikh Hasina’s camp) of spending millions to disrupt the election process and inciting violence from abroad.
Meanwhile, Sheikh Hasina has commented on Yunus’s administration, asserting that elections in Bangladesh without the participation of the Awami League would not be a genuine election but merely a “coronation.”
The situation highlights mounting international scrutiny on Bangladesh’s political climate as the pivotal election date approaches.
