As Bangladesh approaches its next parliamentary election, scheduled for February 2026, it is worth pausing to remember a sobering fact.

The country has not seen a genuinely free and fair election in nearly a quarter century. The last one was held in October 2001, an era when the promise of democratic renewal still felt real.

What followed was a systematic erosion of that promise. Since the Awami League’s abolition of the caretaker government system, Bangladesh’s electoral record has been defined by farce rather than fairness.

The “auto-pass” election of 2014 saw the main opposition boycott the polls, leaving most seats uncontested. The “nocturnal” election of 2018 was marred by allegations of ballot-stuffing the night before.

And the “dummy” election of 2024, where ruling-party stand-ins were fielded as fake competitors, reduced the entire process to theatre.

Even the 2008 election–often cited as a turning point–was compromised by the blatant bias of the military-backed caretaker government under Fakhruddin Ahmed and Moeen U Ahmed, which tilted the playing field in favor of the Awami League and against the BNP alliance.

The election of 2001, by contrast, represented the last genuine exercise in democratic choice since the fall of H. M. Ershad’s dictatorship in 1990.

It delivered a peaceful transfer of power and acceptance of results by both winners and losers. For a brief moment, Bangladesh appeared ready to walk the long road of constitutional democracy.

But that path was ultimately abandoned–first by expediency, then by design.

Now, as 2026 approaches, Bangladesh stands once again at a crossroads. The coming election could mark a democratic reset, or it could deepen the nation’s descent into managed authoritarianism.

The Election Commission will soon announce the schedule, and the political season will begin in earnest. Before the slogans and rallies, however, it is crucial to evaluate what each party truly stands for–and what they can offer a country battered by economic strain and public disillusionment.

Bangladesh does not need another “strong” government in the Hasina-era sense–one sustained by fear, coercion, corruption and control.

Strength in governance is not measured by the number of arrests or the silence of dissent. A truly strong government is one that commands legitimacy through consent, reforms institutions rather than weaponizes them, and acts with confidence abroad while putting Bangladesh’s interests first at home.

The case for BNP

For the first time in years, there is an opening for such a government to emerge.

Whether the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) can seize that moment–by embodying reform rather than revenge–will determine whether 2026 becomes a turning point or another lost opportunity in the nation’s long struggle for democratic dignity.

First, the BNP has shown a clear commitment to institutional independence. Throughout recent political transitions, its leaders have consistently advocated for empowering the judiciary, safeguarding press freedom, and strengthening parliamentary oversight.

These reflect an understanding that sustainable governance depends on checks and balances. Bangladesh cannot endure another administration that treats state institutions as personal fiefdoms.

Second, the party brings critical experience in economic management.

During previous terms, BNP-led governments oversaw substantial infrastructure projects and measurable economic growth. While no administration is flawless, BNP has demonstrated the capacity to balance development with fiscal responsibility–a skill urgently needed today as Bangladesh navigates global inflation and the pressures of a competitive international market.

Effective governance requires leaders who grasp both macroeconomic realities and the daily struggles of ordinary citizens.

Equally important is the party’s leadership–a mix of experience and resilience.

Khaleda Zia commands respect for her unwavering dedication to democratic principles, having endured politically motivated imprisonment and persecution rather than compromise her values.

Tarique Rahman, as Acting Chairman, has spent 18 years under oppression while persistently advocating for democracy, mobilizing opposition forces at home and abroad against the Hasina regime.

Alongside stalwarts such as Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, and Salahuddin Ahmed, this leadership combines the judgment forged by adversity with the practical experience necessary to guide the nation through a critical transition.

Finally, BNP has articulated a vision of plurality, diversity, and multiculturalism.

The party’s commitment to a “rainbow nation”--one in which individuals of all faiths, creeds, and backgrounds can coexist as fully empowered citizens–is both a moral imperative and a pragmatic strategy for a globally interconnected Bangladesh.

Tapping on the strength

Bangladesh’s greatest strength lies in its diversity. Our Hindu, Buddhist, and Christian communities enrich the nation’s cultural fabric, while indigenous populations safeguard traditions that define our shared heritage.

Citizens of all faiths–secular and religious alike–deserve equal protection and opportunity. BNP’s platform acknowledges these realities, committing to uphold minority rights while respecting the values of the Muslim majority.

This delicate balance demands genuine dedication, not performative gestures.

BNP has historically aligned itself with the defining moments of Bangladesh’s modern history.

In 1971, it supported the liberation struggle that gave birth to the nation; in 1990, it joined the movement that ended military dictatorship; and in 2024, it stood with the people during the anti-fascist uprising.

These decisions reflect a party culture that, despite inevitable internal debates, consistently responds to the popular will rather than subverting it. In a world where authoritarianism increasingly erodes democratic norms, leadership with a proven record of defending democracy matters.

That said, democracy is not about indefinite tenure.

I do not advocate for BNP to govern for a decade or more. Democratic governance demands accountability: every term must be earned, every election a test of performance, and every vote a measure of trust.

Taken together–the need for genuine democratic governance, institutional independence, inclusive policies, economic competence, and a track record of upholding constitutional values–BNP emerges as the most credible choice for the 2026 election.

The people of Bangladesh deserve a government they select freely, led by those committed to serving them rather than consolidating power.

In this election, a vote for BNP is more than a vote for a party; it is a vote to unlock the door to democratic renewal.

—

Ehteshamul Haque is a Virginia based lawyer