Govt agrees with IRI’s concern over possible pre-election violence

The interim government has agreed with the International Republican Institute’s (IRI) assessment regarding the potential for violence and political unrest in Bangladesh ahead of the upcoming national election.

Senior Assistant Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser, Fayez Ahmed, said the government is aware of the concerns and is taking all necessary preparations to address any possible situation. He shared this information at a press briefing on Thursday, November 6.

IRI’s pre-election assessment report, conducted in October, noted that the Election Commission plans to include the armed forces within its security framework to strengthen electoral security. However, despite this initiative, the pre-election environment remains fragile.

The IRI stated that its assessment team, composed of international policy and election experts, met with the Election Commission, political parties, interim government officials, and civil society representatives.

The report noted that the reform programmes initiated by the interim government under Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus through 11 commissions and the National Consensus Commission culminated in the July National Charter. The charter’s 84 proposals encompass nearly all aspects of Bangladesh’s democratic framework. Although widely endorsed, its implementation remains uncertain due to procedural ambiguity, time constraints, and differing positions among political parties.

The report also highlighted that the Election Commission has introduced several reforms to enhance participation and operational efficiency, including enabling voting from abroad. However, isolated incidents of political violence, concerns over local administration’s neutrality, and longstanding mistrust of security forces persist.

According to the IRI, the rise of youth-led political parties and engagement from expatriate voters signals emerging changes in Bangladesh’s democratic process. Yet, a lack of transparency in candidate nominations, underrepresentation of women, and the growing influence of extremist groups could foster intolerance and weaken the country’s secular foundation. The successful implementation of the July National Charter and the institutionalisation of democratic practices will determine Bangladesh’s future political trajectory.

The IRI further stated that Bangladesh remains in a sensitive transition phase before the expected election in February. The outcome will depend on the government’s ability to maintain neutrality, ensure security, and implement the reform agenda of the National Consensus Commission. The July National Charter serves as a blueprint for democratic renewal, but its realisation largely depends on the next parliament’s political will.

The report concluded that sustained dialogue, transparent electoral administration, and political participation are essential to reduce polarisation and rebuild trust. The IRI warned that established political parties remain influential but face internal and reputational challenges.

The decision to bar one of the country’s largest parties, the Awami League, from participating in the election has raised questions about representativeness and could fuel election-day violence. Distrust among traditional political elites and inter-party competition have intensified local-level conflicts. The IRI noted that a lack of transparency in nominations, factionalism, and dominance of powerful groups are limiting democratic participation. Security concerns are also preventing some parties from freely campaigning in their constituencies, undermining open competition.

Observers say the political landscape remains fluid, with new alliances and emerging parties seeking influence in the post-reform context. How inclusive the election will be remains uncertain. Many believe the credibility of the polls will depend on participation by all political parties, peaceful competition, and continuity of reforms.

The interim government agrees with the concerns raised in the IRI report. When asked, Senior Assistant Press Secretary Fayez Ahmed said, “The Chief Adviser has discussed election preparation and the announcement of election dates, and has met with major political parties. The government has repeatedly said that no one should attempt to sabotage the election. The government is fully aware of the situation and taking all necessary measures. There is no disagreement with the IRI’s assessment. The government is actively preparing for these concerns.”