US Lawmakers Warn Bangladesh: Party Bans, Tribunal Threaten Election Credibility

• US lawmakers express concern over Bangladesh's upcoming elections under the interim administration.
• Gregory W Meeks, Bill Huizenga, and Sydney Kamlager-Dove wrote to Muhammad Yunus, warning against suspending parties and reviving the "flawed" International Crimes Tribunal.
• They argue that banning political organizations, like the Awami League, disenfranchises voters and erodes democratic legitimacy.
• Lawmakers cited past elections (2018, 2024) deemed not free/fair and a UN report on protest deaths.
• They urged an inclusive political process for free and fair elections, emphasizing Bangladesh as a "critical partner."

Why It Matters: US lawmakers warn Bangladesh that party bans and a flawed tribunal undermine democratic elections.