London/Dhaka, May 16 -- The Law Society of England and Wales has written to Bangladeshi Prime Minister Tarique Rahman expressing grave concern over reports that lawyers were barred, intimidated, or otherwise completely prevented from taking part in bar association elections across Bangladesh.
In the letter, the organisation said the reported incidents raised concerns about the independence of the legal profession and could undermine confidence in the country's justice system.
The Law Society, which represents more than 200,000 solicitors in England and Wales, said the alleged actions were inconsistent with the provisions laid down in the "United Nations Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers", which are designed to safeguard the independ...