Several influential U.S. lawmakers have urged Bangladesh’s interim government to ensure that the upcoming national election, scheduled for February, is free, fair, and inclusive. They have made it clear that banning a political party entirely risks depriving a large segment of the population of its right to vote.

Concerns Raised in a Letter

In a letter sent on Tuesday to Chief Adviser of the interim government, Muhammad Yunus, U.S. House of Representatives members Gregory W. Meeks, Bill Huizenga, and Sydney Kamlager-Dove expressed these concerns. They stated that the decision to ban an entire political organization is inconsistent with the fundamental principles of democratic and human rights.

The lawmakers are associated with the House Foreign Affairs Committee and its Subcommittee on South and Central Asia. While praising the interim administration’s role during a national crisis, they questioned the decision to exclude a significant political party from the electoral process.

Issue of the Awami League Ban

The letter also referred to the decision taken after the July movement to ban the long-ruling Awami League and its student wing. According to the lawmakers, such steps could weaken political inclusion and undermine a peaceful democratic process.

They emphasized that elections must be held in an environment where people can peacefully express their will at the ballot box. At the same time, they stressed the need for necessary reforms to restore neutrality and credibility in state institutions.

Warning on Human Rights and Rule of Law

The letter further warned that suspending political party activities or reactivating the International Crimes Tribunal in ways that had previously been questioned could undermine the objectives of the election.

The lawmakers clearly stated that freedom of association and the principle of individual—rather than collective—accountability are fundamental elements of human rights. Instead of blaming an entire party, they argued, appropriate legal action should be taken against specific individuals through due process.

Call for Participation of All Parties in the Election

Other signatories to the letter included lawmakers Julie Johnson and Tom Suozzi. They said the people of Bangladesh deserve an election in which all political parties can participate and voters can freely choose their leaders.

Published on the House Foreign Affairs Committee’s website, the letter is being viewed as a crucial diplomatic message in Bangladesh’s current political context. This will be the country’s first national election since the fall of the previous government, and it is now under close international scrutiny.