UN rights chief concerned over Bangladesh law allowing political party ban

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk on Monday voiced concerns about recent changes to legislation to allow the banning of political parties and organisations and all related activities.

“I am concerned about recent changes to legislation to allow the banning of political parties and organisations and all related activities,” he said, adding that this “unduly restricts” the freedoms of association, expression and assembly.

The UN rights chief made the remarks while delivering global update at the opening of the 59^th Human Rights Council.

Turk said his office hopes to reach an agreement on their expanded presence soon.

The UN rights chief said he is “encouraged” that the interim government and political parties in Bangladesh are making progress through dialogue.

“I urge meaningful advances on reforms, to create the environment for free and inclusive elections,” Turk said.

Earlier, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in its fact-finding report shared recommendations in some specific areas, including accountability and justice, police and security; civic space, political system and economic governance.

The UN human rights office, recently, recommended Bangladesh to refrain from political party bans undermining democracy and disenfranchising part of the electorate.

In the fact-finding report, the UN observed that political party bans would undermine a return to a ‘genuine multiparty democracy’ and effectively disenfranchise a large part of the Bangladeshi electorate.

A journalist drew UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh Gwyn Lewis’ attention recently regarding the recommendations made by the UN fact-finding mission against banning any political party and the government’s decision to ban activities of Awami League and sought her comments on that.

In reply, she said it is not a question for her, but for the government. “We made our recommendations because participation and inclusion of all political parties is something that prevents a very polarised position, potentially unrest.”

Lewis, who brings more than 20 years of experience in international development, peace-building, and humanitarian affairs to the position also said, “I think the circumstances need to be looked at....the decision of the government needs to be looked at in the context of the country. I do not have anything more to say. It is very much a political decision and again a decision of the government.”