Jan15

At a roundtable discussion titled “Peaceful Elections and Building a Democratic Future,” organized by the Bangladesh Enterprise Institute (BEI) on 15 January 2026 at Hotel Lake Castle, Dhaka, political leaders, scholars, diplomats, and civil society representatives discussed the challenges and prospects of holding a peaceful, credible, and inclusive national election in Bangladesh.

BNP Standing Committee Member Selima Rahman referred to recent incidents of violence and land grabbing at the grassroots, noting that prolonged political exclusion has contributed to a decline in ethical conduct among sections of political activists. She said ensuring discipline at the grassroots remains a challenge and emphasized that a neutral Election Commission and impartial law enforcement agencies would be important in preventing election-related violence. She also noted that an elected and accountable government is necessary to implement state reforms and restore democratic processes.

Eminent political scientist Professor Rounaq Jahan said that holding an election alone is insufficient, stressing that elections must be credible and acceptable both domestically and internationally. She emphasized the role of political parties in creating conditions that allow administrative institutions to function impartially and without fear.

In his welcome address, BEI President and former diplomat Ambassador M. Humayun Kabir described the upcoming election as significant for the country’s future governance. Denmark’s Ambassador to Bangladesh, Christian Brix Møller, said Bangladesh is at the crossroads in its democratic journey and noted that dialogue among political parties and responsibility at the local level could help prevent violence.

Participants from different political parties expressed concerns about the influence of money and muscle power in elections, as well as obstacles to women’s participation and broader political inclusion. Others present included BNP adviser Syed Moazzem Hossain Alal, Taslima Akhter of the Ganosamhati Andolon’s political council, AB Party’s women’s development secretary Farah Naz Sattar, NCP joint member secretary Faisal Mahmud, among others.

BEI Assistant Director Nipa Rani presented findings from grassroots-level consultations, highlighting public expectations and concerns related to elections and reform processes.