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Bangladesh’s political situation has stabilised and improved since July 2024, with political violence declining after the 2026 national election, according to a report by the UK Home Office.
The Ministry of Home Affairs disclosed the findings in a press release on Tuesday, citing a report prepared by the Home Office’s Country Policy and Information Team following a fact-finding mission to Bangladesh from June 7 to 15 this year.
The mission gathered information through interviews with government officials, Bangladesh Police, political parties, civil society representatives, human rights organisations, journalists and researchers.
According to the report, Bangladesh’s political environment has become more stable since the July 2024 upheaval and the formation of a new government following the 2026 election.
Various sources interviewed by the mission said political parties, journalists, civil society groups and human rights organisations now have greater freedom to operate, express their views and participate in public debate than during the previous Awami League government.
Election environment improves
The report described the 2026 national election as generally peaceful and significantly less violent than previous elections, based on accounts from various sources.
Political violence also declined following the election, it said.
Greater space for political activities
The report said the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Jamaat-e-Islami, the National Citizen Party (NCP) and other opposition groups have been able to criticise the government, campaign, hold rallies and conduct political activities.
Sources cited in the report said political parties had greater opportunities to engage in political activities than in the past.
On law and order, Bangladesh Police officials told the fact-finding mission that the authorities had generally been able to maintain public order. They also highlighted the management of security during major religious festivals.
However, the report noted that incidents of political violence continued. Such incidents were generally localised and linked to local influence, business interests, control of resources and political dominance, according to sources interviewed by the mission.
Politically motivated cases reviewed
The report also highlighted the release of most people arrested in politically motivated cases during the previous government and the withdrawal of most such cases, according to various sources.
Bangladesh Police told the mission that more than 21,000 politically motivated or false cases had been withdrawn, while reviews of historical cases were still underway.
Police and law enforcement reforms
The report examined changes in the functioning, accountability and reform of law enforcement agencies.
It also noted that people generally have greater opportunities to express their views, engage in political activities and participate in public discussions than before July 2024.
The Home Affairs Ministry said the report highlighted improvements in political stability, reduced post-election violence, expanded space for political expression and activities, efforts to maintain law and order, and the review and withdrawal of politically motivated cases.