Washington, D.C., February 16, 2026 — The Institute for Strategic Dialogue (ISD) has raised serious concerns over the democratic legitimacy of Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary election held on February 12, 2026, urging authorities to organize a new vote under a neutral caretaker administration.
In a statement released Monday, the Washington-based think tank rejected what it described as “voter-less farcical polls” conducted under the interim government led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus. The organization called for the immediate holding of a free, fair, and transparent election with the participation of all political parties.
Exclusion and Allegations Undermine Credibility
The ISD highlighted the exclusion of the Bangladesh Awami League—the country’s largest political party—and its 14-party alliance as a major factor undermining the credibility of the electoral process. The group also pointed to credible reports of vote rigging, electoral manipulation, and inflated voter turnout figures.
According to the statement, these allegations have significantly eroded public confidence and raised concerns both domestically and internationally regarding compliance with democratic norms and global standards.
“The electoral process lacking inclusivity, transparency, and political pluralism cannot be regarded as genuinely free or representative,” the ISD said.
Call for Immediate Corrective Measures
The think tank outlined a series of urgent recommendations aimed at restoring democratic governance and political stability in Bangladesh.
These include:
• Arranging a new election under a neutral, non-partisan caretaker administration to ensure full participation of all political stakeholders.
• Conducting an independent, impartial, and internationally credible investigation into allegations of vote rigging and electoral misconduct.
• Immediately lifting the ban on the Bangladesh Awami League and its 14-party alliance to restore political inclusivity.
• Withdrawing restrictions on all political parties and affiliated organizations to guarantee equal political space.
• Releasing detained political leaders, journalists, academics, cultural figures, and professionals whose detention raises concerns over freedom of expression and civic rights.
• Launching a transparent investigation into corruption and irregularity allegations against members of the interim government, including Law and Justice Adviser Asif Nazrul, in accordance with due process and the rule of law.
“Critical Democratic Crossroads”
The ISD emphasized that Bangladesh is at a “critical democratic crossroads,” warning that the protection of political pluralism, rule of law, and civil liberties is essential not only for domestic stability but also for maintaining international credibility.
The statement concluded with a call on relevant authorities to take immediate corrective measures to restore democratic governance and ensure full protection of the fundamental rights of the people of Bangladesh.
The statement was signed by Shayla Ahmed, Executive Director of the Institute for Strategic Dialogue.
