ANFREL Calls for Democratic Renewal in Bangladesh, Demands A Free, Fair and Participatory Election Under an Interim Government
The Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL) calls for urgent and decisive action following ex-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s resignation on August 5th, 2024, marking a pivotal moment for democratic renewal in Bangladesh.
Hasina’s over 15-year rule, which began in January 2009, was increasingly marked by authoritarian practices including arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances, and the suppression of dissent, alongside significant electoral manipulation. Her resignation came in response to mounting pressure from widespread protests led by a student movement and other civil society groups. What began as a peaceful demand for quota reforms in government jobs last month, evolved into a broader movement against state-sanctioned violence and human rights abuses. The protests, driven by frustration over years of political repression, grave human rights violations and lack of rule of law, resulted in the deaths of hundreds of student protesters and bystanders at the hands of law enforcement and the Awami League’s student wing. This powerful resurgence of student-led activism has become a crucial force for change, highlighting the urgent need for democratic reform and creating a vital impetus for establishing a transitional government capable of overseeing genuine democratic processes.
The recent protests have seen unprecedented violence, with numerous reports of injuries and fatalities. Hundreds of people have been killed, and thousands have been injured. Additionally, over a thousand individuals have been arrested. This underscores the need for an independent investigation into these incidents and accountability for those responsible.
Our call
Bangladesh has seen a significant decline in the quality of its elected government, a downward trend rooted in the highly controversial 2018 general elections. These elections were marred by widespread allegations of voter suppression, electoral fraud, and violence, severely undermining public confidence in the democratic process. The lack of meaningful reforms or improvements to the electoral system since then has only deepened the erosion of trust in the government. As the country approached its general elections in early 2024, the political climate was fraught with escalating tensions.
Supporting this assessment, the Global State of Democracy (GSoD) indices show that Bangladesh performs poorly in three key categories: Representation, Rights, and Rule of Law, while achieving a mid-range score in Participation.1
In line with ANFREL’s previous position, which denounced the brutal crackdowns and manipulation efforts by the Bangladeshi government, we reiterate our demand for respect for human rights and democratic freedoms. ANFREL’s commitment to these principles remains steadfast. We emphasize the importance of maintaining a credible interim government, the immediate release of all political prisoners who had been wrongfully detained.
The interim government represents a critical opportunity to restore democratic norms and a unique opportunity for democratic renewal in Bangladesh. ANFREL urges this transitional administration to organize transparent, inclusive, and credible elections, ensuring that the elected government truly reflects the will of the people. Adequate time must also be provided to ensure maximum political and public participation in the electoral process.
ANFREL stands in solidarity with the people of Bangladesh, including the student movement that has shown remarkable courage and resilience in their pursuit of democracy and human rights. We also urge the international community to support these measures to ensure a peaceful and democratic transition in Bangladesh.
ANFREL’s previous statements on Bangladesh elections:
– ANFREL’s Pre election statement on 12th Parliamentary Elections in Bangladesh
– Post election joint statement on the 12th Parliamentary Elections in Bangladesh