A recent report by the Center for Governance Studies (CGS) emphasized the importance of addressing minority concerns as national issues to uphold democracy in Bangladesh, according to speakers at the report launch in the capital city. They highlighted the erosion of the rule of law due to mob pressure and emphasized that election manifestos lack significance without accountability. Concerns were raised about gaps in oversight, enforcement, and institutional independence leading to doubts about the management of elections.
Titled “From Pledges to Practice: Political Inclusion & Democratic Accountability — Bangladesh’s Polls 2026,” the report by CGS was unveiled at a city hotel, presenting research findings and recommendations for ensuring an inclusive, secure, and trustworthy election for minority and marginalized communities as the national polls approach. The discussion shed light on electoral challenges faced by religious minorities, ethnic groups, and gender-diverse populations, as well as the implementation of constitutional commitments on equality and non-discrimination.
During the event, Debapriya Bhattacharya, a distinguished fellow of the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), expressed that the interim government has exhausted its capacity and potential for reforms and justice. He stressed the importance of ensuring the safety of marginalized communities to safeguard the democratic process, noting that the government’s success in conducting a free and credible election would leave a lasting legacy.
The event also featured the release of a CGS survey involving 505 individuals from minority communities, revealing concerns about electoral participation, with more than 50% feeling anxious about voting and 25% expressing feelings of insecurity. Debapriya highlighted a disconnect between the government’s promises and the ground reality, emphasizing the need to address minority issues nationally and uphold accountability for political manifestos to hold value.
CGS President Zillur Rahman stated that the report, although focused on the upcoming national election, reflects broader democratic challenges and structural inequalities in Bangladesh. He referenced the unfulfilled pledge from 1971 to build an egalitarian society and emphasized the persisting inequalities across various domains in the country.
Dr. Badiul Alam Majumdar from Shushashoner Jonno Nagorik and economist Dr. Selim Jahan raised concerns about the lack of meaningful improvements for marginalized communities over the years and questioned the inclusivity of the upcoming election due to institutional failures and violations of constitutional commitments. The event was attended by a diverse group including politicians, educators, economists, civil society members, media professionals, and representatives from minority communities.
