USA Bureau

The Institute for Strategic Dialogue (ISD) has expresses profound concern over the democratic legitimacy of Bangladesh’s 13th Parliamentary Election held on 12 February 2026, says a press release.

The Washington-based think tank rejects the voter less farcical polls staged under the interim government led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus, and demandes immediate holding of free, fair and transparent election again with participation of all political parties.

The ISD observes that the exclusion of the Bangladesh Awami League, the largest political party, and its 14-party alliance, combined with credible reports of vote rigging, electoral manipulation, and inflated voter turnout figures has significantly eroded public confidence in the electoral process.

These concerns have been echoed in domestic discourse and international media coverage, raising serious questions about compliance with democratic norms and international standards.The ISD thinks that an electoral process lacking inclusivity, transparency, and political pluralism cannot be regarded as genuinely free or representative.The ISD calls for the following urgent actions:
The arrangement of a new, genuinely free and fair election under a neutral, non-partisan caretaker administration, ensuring full participation of all political stakeholders.An independent, impartial, and internationally credible investigation into allegations of vote rigging and electoral misconduct.

Immediate lifting of the ban on the Bangladesh Awami League and its 14-party alliance to restore political inclusivity.Immediate withdrawal of restrictions on all political parties and affiliated organizations, ensuring equal and fair political space.Immediate release of detained political leaders, journalists, academic scholars, cultural figures, and professionals, whose detention raises serious concerns regarding freedom of expression and civic rights.A transparent investigation into allegations of corruption and irregularities raised against members of the interim government, including Law and Justice Adviser Asif Nazrul, in accordance with due process and rule of law.Bangladesh stands at a critical democratic crossroads. The protection of political pluralism, rule of law, and civil liberties is essential not only for domestic stability but also for maintaining international credibility and democratic resilience.The ISD also calls upon the relevant authorities to take immediate and effective corrective measures to restore democratic governance in Bangladesh and to ensure the full protection of all fundamental rights of the people of Bangladesh