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The upcoming Chattogram District Bar Association election has been marred by allegations of political obstruction, with pro-Awami League (AL) lawyers claiming they were prevented from collecting nomination papers by their pro-BNP counterparts. This incident, which occurred at the Bar Library entrance, highlights the deep political divisions that often spill into the legal fraternity in Bangladesh.

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We were not allowed to enter the Bar Library while attempting to collect nomination papers.

According to reports, lawyers from the "Sadharan Ainjibi Parishad" panel, backed by the AL, faced resistance from pro-BNP lawyers. While the Chief Election Commissioner stated that forms were provided to all applicants and no formal complaints were lodged, the AL-affiliated lawyers expressed frustration, citing a pattern of exclusion that allegedly prevented their participation in previous elections as well.

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They did not allow us to contest in the last election either.

The pro-BNP lawyers, represented by the Jatiyatabadi Ainjibi Forum, asserted that the AL's activities are effectively banned, creating an environment where their participation is impossible. This narrative suggests a deliberate strategy to sideline opposing legal factions from professional elections, a concerning trend for the independence and fairness of bar association polls.

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The activities of the AL are banned through order. In this situation, there is neither the environment nor the opportunity for AL-affiliated lawyers to participate in the election.

This situation is not isolated to Chattogram. Similar incidents have been reported in the Dhaka, Barishal, and Manikganj Bar association elections, where pro-AL lawyers allegedly faced difficulties or were unable to contest. While pro-AL lawyers did participate in the Cumilla Bar Association election, they reported facing threats and campaigning restrictions. The Daily Star, as a leading Bangladeshi publication, reports these events factually, allowing readers to understand the contentious political climate within the legal community and its implications for democratic processes within professional bodies.

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We have provided forms to whoever came to us. No one has lodged any complaint with me.