Published: 12:15 AM, 02 November 2026
Political Stability in Bangladesh: An Analysis of the UK Fact-Finding Mission Report
Mohammad Faisal Akber
A report from the UK government fact-finding mission indicates that following the national elections in February 2026, Bangladesh has experienced a commencement of political stability and a significant improvement in politics. This report demonstrates that substantial improvements have been made in the realm of freedom of expression and participation in public debate. These findings are articulated in a recently published fact-finding report, prepared by three officials from the UK Home Office’s Country Policy and Information Team (CPIT), who paid a visit to Bangladesh from June 7 to June 15 in 2026.
According to the executive summary of the report, political parties, journalists, civil society organizations, and human rights groups have enjoyed more freedom than the Awami League led (AL) government. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Jamaat-e-Islami (JI), National Citizen Party (NCP), and other political opposition parties may organize campaigns, protest, and criticize the government. In answer to the question, ‘Are people able to protest now against whatever they want?’ a spokesman of the NCP said, ‘People can protest now; the situation is okay, and the general people can protest; and the BNP are not putting any pressure on police.’ In answer to another question, ‘In terms of members and leaders of political organizations, are they able to freely express their political opinions?’ Mosfiqur Rahman Johan, Chairman of the All Victims and Veteran Network (AVN), said that currently, people in general are enjoying the right to express their political opinions more freely than they could under the previous AL led government. The situation is better, although I am not sure that this openness will necessarily last."
In reality, the state of political stability and freedom of expression during the first eight months of the BNP-led government has been by and large positive. This political stability over these eight months has also led to an improvement in the investment climate in Bangladesh. According to political analysts, since assuming power in early 2026, the BNP-led government has taken significant positive steps to reduce political violence and ensure an environment where political parties can demonstrate protest and raise voice without any hindrance. Consequently, a stable environment has been restored which is undoubtedly a major achievement for the government.
The fact-finding mission report characterizes the general election held in February 2026 as largely peaceful and there was significantly less violence compared to the past elections. Since the election, incidents of political violence in the country have decreased notably. However, some isolated incidents of political violence still occur in some parts of the country. According to the report’s observations, these incidents are often driven by local influence, business interests, and political control. In response to the question, ‘Has there been any violence committed by the state under the new government?’ A political analyst at an international NGO told the CPIT team, ‘No. We haven’t heard about violence, which we did hear of during the AL time.’ In addition, in response to another question, ‘Are there any reports of enforced disappearances?’ Ayesha Kabir, a journalist, told the team, ‘No. There are no enforced disappearances now. Just arrests.’ Under the current BNP-led government, the scale of major conflict and clashes within the country’s overall political landscape has decreased significantly. According to data from Armed Conflict Location and Event Data (ACLED), there has been a notable decline in incidents of organized violence between February and August 2026. Political analysts observe that, compared to previous years, major political parties are now able to conduct their programs without hindrance—a factor that has contributed to a reduction in overall violence.
The report also states that the Awami League is currently a legally banned entity in Bangladesh as public resentment persists against them due to human rights violations during its period in power and the violence surrounding the July Mass Uprising 2024. Nevertheless, grassroots-level workers and general supporters of the Awami League—who were not involved in corruption, violence, or oppression—are able to remain in their respective localities. The report notes, however, that those who openly express support for the party face harassment or social backlash. In this situation, some Awami League members have joined other political parties, while others have relocated to different parts of the country or moved abroad. According to political analysts, the prevailing social and political sentiment toward the Awami League remains extremely negative. From the perspective of the students and the general public, the culture of oppression, enforced disappearances, killings, and the disenfranchisement of voters that took root during the AL’s 16-year-long misrule makes any ‘normalization’ of the Awami League far from easy.
Citing data from the Bangladesh Police, the report states that over 21,000 politically motivated or false cases filed under the Awami League government have been dismissed. Legal reviews of other, older cases are currently underway. Meanwhile, many top Awami League leaders, activists, and administrative officials are facing criminal charges, stemming from allegations regarding their controversial roles during the previous government’s term and the July Uprising. These cases are being heard before the International Crimes Tribunal as well as regular courts. It is true that the judiciary and law enforcement agencies were leveraged to suppress dissenting voices and marginalize political opponents, resulting in the filing of numerous fabricated and politically motivated cases during the Awami League government. This situation has been documented in various reports by international observers and human rights organizations. According to political analysts, merely withdrawing these politically motivated cases is insufficient; those who suffered as a result should be compensated, and those responsible for initiating these cases should be held accountable.
The UK Home Office has acknowledged that there have been positive changes in Bangladesh's political landscape. However, it has also observed that challenges continue to exist in some areas, including corruption, police's accountability, and the limited implementation of comprehensive reforms. Therefore, it is essential to guarantee transparency and efficacy in governance in order to fulfill public demand. Effective action in these areas is crucial for the country's democratic advancement, the rule of law, and the preservation of citizens' rights, as per civil society and pertinent stakeholders. Public expectations are elevated in the ‘new Bangladesh’ that has emerged in the wake of the July mass uprising 2024. Therefore, the government must prioritize the establishment of good governance and the rule of law in general. In particular, it is imperative to ensure the security of the people, uphold freedom of expression, and maintain a stable law-and-order situation.
At last, the UK government’s assessment of the political stability of Bangladesh seems to signify a considerable success for the BNP government. This international recognition would undeniably facilitate Bangladesh's economic advancement and entice more foreign capital, given that a stable political setting is vital for both local and foreign investments. We expect Bangladesh to maintain its progress in this direction.
Mohammad Faisal Akber is a
Political Analyst and Former Assistant Professor in Department of Development Studies, Daffodil International University, Dhaka. He can be reached
