DHAKA — The political situation surrounding Bangladesh’s 2026 national election is fragile and there is a risk of more violence before the vote, the International Republican Institute (IRI) said in a new report.
The organization conducted a mission to assess Bangladesh’s electoral environment and democratic process from Oct. 20 to 24, the report said.
The IRI issued eight recommendations directed at the Election Commission, government institutions, political parties and other electoral stakeholders, the report said. If implemented in the pre-election period and afterward, the recommendations could help ensure a credible and peaceful election, it said.
The recommendations are: finalize implementation of the July charter; strengthen civic education and support democratic reforms; encourage women’s political participation; make candidate selection transparent; improve coordination on security planning; increase transparency and credibility in citizen election monitoring; ensure transparency in political funding; and promote an independent and credible information environment during the election.
On the July charter, the IRI said political parties should commit to finalizing the national charter and implementing it, including by setting deadlines, resolving remaining disagreements over specific clauses and announcing to the constituent assembly their intent to support democratic reforms. The interim government and the Election Commission should jointly establish a clear and lawful framework with political parties for conducting the charter referendum, it said. Decisions on the sequence and timing of the referendum should be based on transparent legal interpretation and broad political consultation. Clear, consistent communication with the public about the referendum’s purpose, process and impact is essential to maintain confidence in the reform agenda and the electoral process, it said.
Strong civic education initiatives are essential for understanding the July charter, the report said. The Election Commission, political parties, the media and related institutions should prioritize national voter education efforts, including explanations of constitutional amendments, the election process and the impact of proposed reforms. Civic education should be universal, accessible and tailored to first-time voters, youths, women and marginalized communities.
Women are still underrepresented at all levels of political life, the IRI said. Political parties should protect women’s rights and increase leadership, including by nominating women candidates, providing leadership training and supporting participation beyond reserved seats. Parties must increase the participation of women as both voters and candidates.
Political parties should strengthen internal democratic practices, the report said. Candidate-selection processes should be transparent, regular and free from bias or undue influence. During nominations, local-level violence should be reduced and the protection of women as candidates and campaigners ensured.
The Election Commission should increase coordination with the armed forces and police to reduce local tensions and prevent violence during the election, the report said. Joint planning, clear communication protocols and coordinated response systems are essential to maintain public safety and strengthen voter confidence.
বাংলায় মূল প্রতিবেদন পড়ুন · Read the original Bengali report