IRI Pre-Election Assessment Mission to Bangladesh’...

From October 20 to 24, the International Republican Institute (IRI), a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to promoting freedom and democracy worldwide, deployed a pre-election assessment mission to examine Bangladesh's evolving political and electoral landscape ahead of its expected February 2026 parliamentary elections, which will be the first major test of the country's democratic transition following the July 2024 student-led protests and formation of the Interim Government.

This impartial assessment highlights the state of the Interim Government's reform agenda, including the creation of 11 reform commissions, renewed inter-party dialogue, and broad consultations on the July National Charter - a comprehensive framework of 84 proposals that addresses nearly every aspect of Bangladesh's democratic architecture. However, disputes over the Charter's sequencing, referendum timing, and enforcement mechanisms underscore the challenges of building a broad-based political consensus.

Political parties are actively shaping the transition, participating in reform dialogues and undertaking early electoral preparations such as candidate recruitment. Yet, they must continue strengthening internal structures, increasing responsiveness to citizens, and rebuilding public trust to foster meaningful political competition. Civil society organizations have reemerged as key actors in promoting transparency and civic participation. Expanding civic space and ensuring media, watchdog groups, and grassroots movements can operate freely will be essential to sustaining reform momentum and public confidence.

While the Election Commission and Interim Government have taken steps to enhance electoral credibility and committed to transparent election administration, maintaining public trust will require consistent communication and ongoing engagement with political and civic stakeholders. The assessment offers a nonpartisan analysis of these dynamics, identifies key risks to electoral integrity, and provides actionable recommendations to support credible, peaceful elections as Bangladesh enters a new phase of democratic renewal.