Will the public go to vote?

As Bangladesh approaches its highly anticipated national parliamentary elections, the political atmosphere across the country is growing increasingly tense. Campaigning is in full swing, but reports indicate that election-related activities are becoming progressively violent, raising concerns over voter safety and the integrity of the electoral process.

For years, citizens have been deprived of the opportunity to exercise their right to vote, with the last three elections marred by boycotts or disruptions. This year, the electorate is eager to participate, yet anxiety and fear persist. Public concern over security remains high, and there are legitimate reasons for it: incidents of violence have escalated nationwide since the start of election campaigns. Political rivalry is intensifying, and aggressive behaviour among candidates and their supporters has been observed in several areas. Analysts warn that if the voting day environment remains unsafe, ordinary voters may abstain from casting their ballots, potentially undermining the credibility of the election.

International observers, including the United States and European Union, have emphasised the importance of a free, fair, and participatory election. According to their assessments, voter turnout is the primary measure of participatory democracy. While the Foreign Affairs Adviser has assured that over 55 per cent of voters are expected to participate, this will only be achievable if citizens feel secure at polling stations. Ordinary voters who are not politically aligned are unlikely to risk their lives to vote if violence continues. Ensuring their safety remains the government’s most pressing challenge.

Documented Election-Related Violence (53 Days)

Comparative data from previous elections indicate the recurring scale of violence:

Human rights and legal support organisation Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) reports that political violence surged significantly in January compared with December. In December 2025, 18 violent incidents caused four deaths and 268 injuries. By January 2026, the number of incidents rose to 75, resulting in 11 fatalities and 616 injuries. Particularly, the period following the official start of campaigning on 22 January witnessed a sharp spike, with 49 violent incidents over 11 days causing four deaths and 414 injuries.

Security forces remain a critical factor. The recent renaming of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) to the Special Intervention Force (SIF) has raised concerns that it may affect election security, with analysts warning that the timing—just one week before voting—is highly problematic. The military has, however, assured the public of strict measures to prevent obstruction and intimidation on polling day.

Experts emphasise that political parties must act responsibly in the final days of campaigning to guarantee a safe environment. Only then can voters exercise their democratic rights freely, ensuring a credible and participatory election.