The Global Coalition for Secular and Democratic Bangladesh (GCSDB), a US-based advocacy group, has issued a strong condemnation of the upcoming national election in Bangladesh, labelling it a “so-called” and illegitimate process lacking freedom, fairness, and inclusion.
In a press note dated January 19, 2026, signed by Chief Coordinator Dr. Nuran Nabi, the coalition criticised the February 12 parliamentary election as fundamentally flawed.
The GCSDB highlighted the exclusion of the Awami League, which it described as commanding the support of nearly 50% of the population, from meaningful participation.
“This process is neither free nor fair, and it certainly cannot be called inclusive when the country’s largest political party, Awami League—which commands the support of nearly 50% of the population—has been excluded from meaningful participation,” the press release stated.
It further argued: “An election held without the genuine involvement of the principal opposition force cannot reflect the will of the people. What is unfolding is not a democratic exercise, but a political manoeuvre designed to legitimise authoritarian control.”
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The Awami League has been barred from contesting the polls under the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus, following its suspension and deregistration amid post-2024 upheaval.
Climate Of Fear, Repression, And Minority Persecution
The statement painted a grim picture of the current environment in Bangladesh, pointing to widespread repression.
“Bangladesh is currently gripped by a climate of fear and intimidation. Thousands of Awami League activists, intellectuals, journalists, and civil society voices are behind bars or facing constant harassment. Independent media is under siege. Dissent is criminalised. The basic rights of citizens to speak, organise, and vote freely have been systematically dismantled,” the release said.
The coalition expressed particular outrage over violence against religious and ethnic minorities, citing a specific incident: “We are deeply shocked and outraged by the killing of Dipu Chandra Das, who was burned to death in a targeted act of violence. This horrific crime is not an isolated incident, but part of a disturbing pattern of attacks meant to terrorise minority communities into silence and submission.”
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Dipu Chandra Das, a 27-year-old Hindu garment worker, was lynched by a mob on December 18, 2025, in Mymensingh’s Bhaluka area after allegations of blasphemy, in an event that drew international attention as part of broader anti-minority violence.
The GCSDB asserted: “An election conducted under repression, mass arrests, media censorship, and communal violence cannot be recognised as legitimate by the international community.”
The organisation issued several demands to the Bangladeshi government:
– The Government of Bangladesh should immediately release all political prisoners.
– An end to persecution of minorities and protection of vulnerable communities.
– Restoration of press freedom and civil liberties.
– A genuinely inclusive, transparent, and internationally monitored electoral process.
It also urged global actors: “We urge the United Nations, the United States, the European Union, and democratic governments worldwide to reject the outcome of this sham election and to stand with the people of Bangladesh in their struggle for democracy, justice, and secular values.”
The statement concluded with emphatic declarations: “Democracy cannot exist where fear rules. Elections cannot be real when the people are not free.”
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