After years of increasingly repressive and autocratic rule, Bangladesh experienced its first broadly free and fair election in nearly two decades in February 2026, during which voters also passed a referendum to adopt the ambitious ‘July Charter’ suite of constitutional and political reforms. These developments are important signs of the country’s increased political openness and its ability to navigate a tense election period without triggering widespread political unrest or mass violence. While these developments are encouraging, political transitions are often fragile periods that can bring heightened risk of atrocity crimes.
This risk assessment briefing can be downloaded here.
