UK report finds improved stability, declining political violence in Bangladesh
The United Kingdom Home Office’s Country Policy and Information Team (CPIT) has reported improved political stability and a decline in violence in Bangladesh following the July 2024 developments and the formation of a new government after the 2026 national election.
According to the report titled “Report of a Fact-Finding Mission Bangladesh: Political Situation, October 2026”. The CPIT conducted a fact-finding mission in Bangladesh from June 7 to 15, 2026.
The mission gathered information through interviews with government officials, Bangladesh police, political parties, civil society representatives, human rights organisations, journalists and researchers.
The report’s Executive Summary states that Bangladesh’s political situation has stabilised and improved overall since July 2024, particularly following the formation of a new government after the 2026 election.
Various sources described the 2026 national election as generally peaceful and significantly less violent than previous elections. The report also noted a decline in political violence following the election.
According to the report, political parties, journalists, civil society groups and human rights organisations have been able to operate more freely, express their views and participate in public discussions compared to the period under the previous Awami League government.
Statements from various sources highlighted greater opportunities for political engagement compared to the previous period.
Bangladesh police officials told the fact-finding mission that, overall, the authorities had been able to maintain law and order. They also highlighted their efforts to maintain security during major religious festivals.
The report noted that political violence had declined following the election.
According to various sources, incidents of political violence that continue to occur are generally limited to the local level and are often linked to local influence, business interests, property and political control.
The report highlighted statements from various sources indicating that most people arrested in politically motivated cases during the previous government’s tenure had been released and that most such cases had been withdrawn.
According to information provided by Bangladesh Police, more than 21,000 politically motivated or false cases had been withdrawn. The review of historical cases was still ongoing, the report noted.
The report also examined the activities, accountability and reform of law enforcement agencies.
Sources cited in the report said that, compared to the period before 2024, the current political environment offered greater opportunities for ordinary citizens to express their views, participate in political activities and engage in public discussions.
The UK Home Office’s fact-finding report presents a picture of increased political stability in Bangladesh following the July 2024 developments and the 2026 national election.
It highlights a decline in post-election political violence, greater scope for political activities and freedom of expression, efforts to maintain law and order, and the ongoing review and withdrawal of politically motivated cases.
