Bangladesh is approaching a historic crossroads as it prepares to hold a long-awaited parliamentary election, alongside a national referendum, scheduled for February 12, 2026. It represents a critical test of democratic renewal, institutional credibility, and national reconciliation, not only for the people of Bangladesh, but also for the global community closely watching its trajectory. Any compromise on neutrality, however minor, would risk eroding public confidence and reigniting political tensions. The inclusion of a national referendum alongside the parliamentary election further elevates the stakes. The maturity shown by political actors in 2026 will determine whether this election becomes a moment of national healing or another chapter of division.
