Bangladesh’s next democratic step should be greater inclusion
Source: The Daily Star
Bangladesh has much to celebrate this International Day of Democracy. On February 12, the country successfully held one of the world’s largest elections of 2026, with close to 7.6 crore citizens participating. The largely peaceful poll and orderly transition to an elected government marked an important achievement for the people of Bangladesh, and for the institutions and individuals who helped make it possible. This achievement opens a window of opportunity to bring democratic institutions closer to people’s aspirations. Those aspirations were powerfully expressed during the student-led movement of July and August 2024, when calls for fairness grew into a wider demand for a body politic that better reflected the people of Bangladesh. Women were present in the movement but largely absent from the decision-making table. The courage of those who spoke out, and the lives lost, remain a powerful reminder of the need for responsive institutions and accountable leadership.
Bangladesh has much to celebrate this International Day of Democracy. On February 12, the country successfully held one of the world’s largest elections of 2026, with close to 7.6 crore citizens participating. The largely peaceful poll and orderly transition to an elected government marked an important achievement for the people of Bangladesh, and for the institutions and individuals who helped make it possible. This achievement opens a window of opportunity to bring democratic institutions closer to people’s aspirations. Those aspirations were powerfully expressed during the student-led movement of July and August 2024, when calls for fairness grew into a wider demand for a body politic that better reflected the people of Bangladesh. Women were present in the movement but largely absent from the decision-making table. The courage of those who spoke out, and the lives lost, remain a powerful reminder of the need for responsive institutions and accountable leadership.