As Bangladesh prepares for its 13th parliamentary elections on February 12, 2026, foreign diplomats and international observers are voicing growing concerns over their safety in Dhaka. The interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, has attempted to reassure missions through briefings, but escalating incidents of targeted mob violence, extremist attacks, and systemic issues like crackdowns on dissent have heightened anxieties.
These fears are compounded by allegations of state-sponsored extremism, illegal political bans, shrinking press freedoms, judicial overreach, arbitrary arrests, custodial deaths, mob lynchings, extortion, and nepotism in key appointments and transfers.
Several countries and organisations plan to deploy election observers, with the European Union (EU) set to send its largest team since 2008, between 150 and 200 members. EU Ambassador Michael Miller emphasised the mission’s focus on a timely, peaceful, and participatory election, viewing it as a pivotal moment for Bangladesh’s democratic trajectory. The United States, through groups like the International Republican Institute (IRI) and the National Democratic Institute (NDI), along with the Commonwealth, will also monitor the polls.
However, security alerts from major powers underscore the risks. The US Embassy in Dhaka issued a warning on December 15, advising citizens to avoid protests that could turn violent amid intensifying political rallies. It updated the travel advisory twice in the next few days.
India, facing direct threats, summoned Bangladesh’s High Commissioner on December 17 to protest “extremist elements” targeting its missions, leading to the temporary closure of its Visa Application Centre in Dhaka.
On December 18, Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam briefed diplomats, UN officials, and international representatives at the Padma State Guest House. He outlined election preparations and security measures, affirming the Election Commission’s commitment to protecting observers. Siam highlighted active involvement of armed forces and law enforcement, with enhanced coordination in diplomatic areas to counter any threats.
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Despite these pledges, unnamed diplomats expressed reservations about security lapses, particularly after recent attacks on Indian facilities in Dhaka, Rajshahi, Khulna, and Chittagong. The government claims no major law-and-order breakdowns have occurred, but ongoing unrest suggests otherwise.
Rise of Extremist Attacks and Targeted Mob Violence
After Muhammad Yunus captured power in August 2024, a resurgence of religious extremism, with groups like Jamaat-e-Islami and Al-Qaeda affiliates, is exploiting instability. Reports indicate a shift from overt violence to infiltration of democratic processes, including digital propaganda on platforms like Facebook. Allegations of state-sponsored extremism persist, with the interim government’s amendments to the Anti-Terrorism Act criticised for enabling crackdowns rather than curbing threats.
Mob violence has intensified, including attacks on media outlets like Prothom Alo and The Daily Star, and vandalism of cultural sites. Hindu minorities face targeted assaults, exemplified by the lynching of Dipu Chandra Das in Bhaluka on December 18, amid false blasphemy accusations. Several suspects were arrested in the face of global protests, but critics argue such incidents reflect broader lawlessness and patronisation of radical extremists, who use the platform Touhidi Janata to launch mob attacks.
Crackdown on Dissent and Illegal Political Bans
The interim government has banned the Awami League under revised anti-terrorism laws, labelling it a terrorist entity and barring it from elections—a move deemed unconstitutional and repressive. Sheikh Hasina, in exile, condemned the ban as “illegal,” arguing it disenfranchises millions. Defying the prohibition, Awami League leaders planned a “lockdown-style” protest in Dhaka on November 13, 2025, prompting warnings of strict enforcement.
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Illegal revisions to laws, including expanding the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT-BD)’s mandate without parliamentary approval, have fueled accusations of judicial weaponization against dissenters.
Shrinking Press Freedom and Judicial Violations
Media freedom has plummeted, with over 640 journalists targeted since August 2024. The Yunus administration’s reforms aim to replace Hasina-era censorship but have instead led to hostile takeovers of outlets and repression. Judicial violations target Awami League figures, with in absentia trials and death sentences criticised for lacking due process.
Arbitrary Arrests, Custodial Deaths, and Extortion
Human rights abuses continue unabated, with over 650 extrajudicial killings reported in 2025. Arbitrary arrests under anti-terror laws, custodial deaths, and a 40% rise in mob lynchings highlight persistent violations. The Awami League has reported over 530 murders in recent months and 36 deaths of party workers out of 112 people killed in prison custody. Nepotism and bribery have plagued the advisory council, the administration, and the judiciary.
Calls for Restraint and Credible Elections
Western nations, the UN, and human rights groups have urged a fair, inclusive process. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for restraint to maintain a peaceful electoral environment. Diplomats stress that credible elections are essential for regional stability, warning that ongoing issues could undermine Bangladesh’s democratic progress.
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