Dozens of Awami League supporters staged a protest outside the UN headquarters on Monday, demanding an end to the party’s ban in Bangladesh and urging the United Nations to take action for the restoration of democracy.

Siddique Rahman, president of the USA Awami League, accused the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus of banning the Awami League, which he called the “legally elected party.” He insisted that if inclusive elections are to be held as per UN expectations, the ban must be lifted.

Rahman labeled Yunus a “dictator” and claimed the current regime is unelected. Around 75 protesters from several diaspora groups, including the Committee for Democratic Bangladesh and the Congress of Bangladeshi Americans, participated.

The protest follows the suspension of the Awami League’s registration by Bangladesh’s Election Commission, rendering the party ineligible for future elections. A date for new elections has yet to be announced.

Protesters also submitted a memorandum to the UN and maintained that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is the legitimate leader, alleging Yunus came to power with support from Jamaat-e-Islami and extremists.