Former Minister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Nowfel has sent an 18-page legal letter to the Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Stefan Liler, asking the UN body to immediately suspend the $180 million โBallotโ electoral assistance project.
He alleged that the UNDP-funded project legitimises the โpolitical repressionโ and โundemocraticโ steps of the illegal interim government, violates the fundamental principles of impartiality, democratic inclusion and human rights of the United Nations.
The letter warns that if UNDP continues to support this repressive process, it will undermine democracy and undermine the credibility of the United Nations.
It says that the Awami League, established in 1949, from the independence struggle under the leadership of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to economic development under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, is an integral part of the countryโs democratic history.
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But since August 2024, more than 44,000 leaders and activists have been arrested, the party’s registration has been suspended, and political activities have been banned. In this situation, the UNDP assistance is legitimising repression.
Main allegations of the Awami League
- Breach of UNDP’s impartiality: The UN Policy on Electoral Assistance clearly states: “No position can be taken for or against any political party.” But the โBallotโ project is being coordinated with the interim government, excluding the Awami League.
- Violation of international law:
– UDHR Article 21: Right to participate in government.
– ICCPR Article 25: Right to stand for election and vote.
– UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention: Arrest for political reasons is prohibited.
3. Undemocratic actions of the interim government:
– Registration cancelled on 12 May 2025, abusing the Anti-Terrorism Act.
– Mass arrests, torture and ICT-based retaliatory trials.
– RPO amendment bans candidacy of fugitives.
– Promulgation of an ordinance by misusing Article 93 of the Constitution.
ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย 4. Destruction of democratic process: No election can be ‘free, fair and inclusive’ without excluding the Awami League.
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ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย 5. UNDP’s irresponsibility: Continuing the project despite political repression, not holding any talks with the Awami League and not conducting any investigation into human rights violations.
Awami League’s six-point demands
– Immediate suspension of the ballot project: Until the conditions of impartiality and inclusion are met.
– Unconditional release of all political prisoners and ensuring the right to peaceful political activities.
– Reinstatement of Awami League’s registration and lifting of the political ban.
– Equal campaigning and media access: Safe and equal opportunities for all parties.
– Human rights monitoring under the supervision of the United Nations: Investigation of arrests, torture and political cases.
– National dialogue with all parties on electoral reforms and peaceful political transition.
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