Polls won't be inclusive without Awami League: CPD

Researches belonging to Center for Policy Dialogue (CPD) have said that the 13th parliamentary elections cannot become an all-inclusive democratic event without the participation of immediate past ruling party Awami League (AL). The elections are scheduled to be held on 12 February 2026.

CPD organized a press briefing on Saturday (7 February 2026) in which CPD scholars and officials exchanged views with journalists about the upcoming polls and some other relevant issues. CPD fellows have stated that people across Bangladesh want the authorities concerned to allow all political parties and their followers to join the polls. The voters who want to cast their ballots for Awami League can generate a huge impact on the results of the elections, CPD officials told reporters yesterday.

CPD dignitaries illustrated the findings of different surveys in which it was cited that Awami League and its leaders and activists hold high influence over the political landscape in Bangladesh. Excluding Awami League from the polls will put the elections in front of questions and debates, CPD researchers commented. Inclusion of all political parties and their supporters is vital to make elections acceptable and trustworthy to domestic and international stakeholders, CPD concluded.