Dhaka, May 16 -- The Law Society of England and Wales has expressed "deep concern" over reported interference, harassment, and the obstruction of candidates in Bangladesh's district and Supreme Court bar association elections.

In a formal letter addressed to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, the organisation -- which represents over 200,000 solicitors in England and Wales -- called for high-level intervention to safeguard the independence, security, and professional autonomy of the legal profession.

This follows a similar protest by the Council of Bars and Law Societies of Europe (CCBE), which issued a letter to the prime minister on Apr 30 regarding the same "undemocratic practices".

The letter, signed by Law Society President Mark Evans...