The recent meeting in London between Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman is reassuring to many, signaling that the country’s democratic process may be moving in a more hopeful and constructive direction. Therefore, the people of the country are pinning a renewed sense of hope.
After nearly two decades without a credible election, people are highly intent on reclaiming their right to vote and elect their representatives through a transparent democratic process. A festive atmosphere with hectic lobbying is sweeping across the country over the election.
Following the meeting, Muhammad Yunus stated that if all necessary preparations are completed, the 12th parliamentary election could be held as early as February 2026. In anticipation, the Election Commission (EC) on Tuesday issued the Polling Centre Establishment and Management Guidelines 2025, which grants EC officials full authority to set up polling centres.
On the same day, Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed confirmed that the interim government would utilise the funds previously allocated to support the electoral process. The national budget for the 2025–26 fiscal year has designated Tk 2,956 crore for the EC Secretariat—more than double the Tk 1,230 crore from the last fiscal year—demonstrating a serious commitment to holding a credible
election. A qualitative shift has taken place in the country’s political landscape. To ensure that this change endures, democracy must be restored, and democratic institutions must be rebuilt and strengthened.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who had held office since 2009, fled the country on 5 August following a violent crackdown on protesters. Initially sparked by opposition to job quota reforms, the demonstrations evolved into a mass movement led students demanding her resignation. Under the Awami League, democracy was systematically dismantled and the electoral system deeply compromised, betraying the founding ideals of Bangladesh’s independence.
All political parties must respect
democratic norms and participate
in the electoral process in accordance
with the Constitution
Bangladesh achieved its independence in 1971 through a bloody war, driven by the hope of building a democratic state. Yet, 54 years on, democratic rights have been stripped away, institutions hollowed out, and public trust undermined. The Awami League oversaw the imposition of an authoritarian, one-party regime that eliminated meaningful electoral competition and stifled dissent.
But the people have awakened. A grassroots movement has emerged, calling for the restoration of democracy, the return of voting rights, and the peaceful exercise of fundamental rights. People once again fought—this time not against colonialism, but against authoritarianism from within.
In a parliamentary democracy like Bangladesh, general elections are constitutionally mandated every five years. Article 65 of the Constitution provides for a National Parliament consisting of 300 general seats and 50 reserved seats for women, all elected by adult franchise. The Constitution represents the supreme will of the people, declaring that all power in the Republic belongs to them. Voting—or choosing not to vote—is a core democratic right.
All political parties must respect democratic norms and participate in the electoral process in accordance with the Constitution. The next national election must be held on time and in accordance with constitutional procedures.
We hope for a peaceful and inclusive election, with participation from all political parties. Undemocratic forces must not be allowed to seize power under any circumstances. It is the constitutional duty of every citizen, public servant, and law enforcement officer to resist attempts to undermine the electoral process or deny the people their right to vote.
The people of Bangladesh want a state and government run in accordance with the democratic principles enshrined in the Constitution. The interim government has repeatedly pledged to ensure that the upcoming election is free, fair, impartial, participatory, and peaceful.
However, despite the departure of autocracy, there remain attempts to destabilise the interim administration. Democracy cannot be safeguarded without a government elected by the people. The nation must remain vigilant and united against any conspiracies to derail the electoral process.
