A group of U.S. lawmakers has written to Bangladesh's Chief Adviser expressing concern over the total ban of the Awami League party ahead of upcoming elections. They emphasized the need for free and fair elections with participation from across the political spectrum, warning that suspending party activities or restarting the International Crimes Tribunal could undermine democratic transition. The lawmakers cited previous elections in 2018 and 2024 as not free or fair and referenced a UN report estimating significant casualties during past protests.