This monthly brief provides updates on the state of democracy, elections, civic space, and media freedom in selected Asian countries and territories experiencing restrictive environments. “Resilience Watch” is part of ANFREL’s broader campaign and advocacy efforts aimed at informing the public and relevant stakeholders about the human rights and democracy situation in some of the most constrained civic spaces in Asia.

While ANFREL continues to work with its members and partners to push for electoral reforms and improve electoral systems across the region, paving the way for free, fair, transparent, and inclusive elections, we also stand in solidarity with those who are actively fighting for civic freedom and upholding democratic values in their countries.

Myanmar and Cambodia continue to be among the most restrictive countries in the region, with Freedom House classifying both as “Not Free.” In contrast, Bangladesh has seen a renewed sense of hope for democracy following the 2024 student protests and popular uprising. 

However, the interim government appointed in the aftermath still faces significant challenges in ensuring the rule of law and pushing forward long-overdue democratic reforms. Despite these hurdles, the interim government has pledged to hold free and fair elections between December 2025 and June 2026. This issue of the brief highlights the current state of human rights and democracy in these countries, with a particular focus on the latest election-related developments in Bangladesh.

Read the full brief here: “Resilience Watch | Monthly Brief on Countries Under Restrictive Environment | Series #12: Bangladesh, Cambodia, and Myanmar (March 2025)“