Competition and Participation Fade in the Absence of Regional Parties
While other districts of the country are witnessing campaign activities, posters, banners, and rallies centered around the National Parliamentary Election, the picture in the three districts of the Chittagong Hill Tracts Rangamati, Khagrachhari, and Bandarban is completely different. There is no electoral heat here, nor any indication of strong competition.
More than 21 political parties are not participating in the election
Ahead of the upcoming Thirteenth National Parliamentary Election, although the Election Commission (EC) is claiming that the vote will be “participatory” and “competitive,” the ground reality is conveying a very different message. Of the 60 registered political parties, at least 21 are not participating in the election as political parties; moreover, due to the banning of activities and suspension of registration, the country’s largest party, the Awami League, is also outside the electoral process.
Despite Being Key Voters, Women Barely Lead in Bangladesh Election
Female candidates remain significantly underrepresented in Bangladesh’s 2026 election, with only 85 women contesting out of 1,981 candidates. Despite women being a key voter group, their low presence in leadership and campaign activities highlights ongoing gender gaps in politics, say activists and candidates.
Extremist Influence, Foreign Pressure Threaten Bangladesh’s Democracy: Sajeeb Wazed Joy
Speaking at a book launch in Kolkata, Sajeeb Wazed Joy warned that Bangladesh is facing extremist influence and foreign pressure, saying the upcoming election will not be free or fair and could push the country into deeper instability.
Page 1 of 1.