PEN Bangladesh has congratulated the newly elected government on receiving an overwhelming mandate from the people of Bangladesh to lead the country at a critical juncture in its democratic transition. The scale of public endorsement carries both legitimacy and responsibility to revitalize Bangladesh’s struggling democratic institutions, restore public trust, and recalibrate the balance between authority and constitutional rights, PEN Bangladesh said in a statement on Tuesday. PEN Bangladesh also expressed its deep concern over the narrowed civic space that led to the detention and persecution of writers, journalists, academics, and digital commentators. Additionally, the expansive security legislation and overarching mob violence have produced a climate of caution and self-censorship that has eroded the spirit of a constitutional democracy. PEN Bangladesh, true to its international charter, remains committed to defending freedom of expression, supporting writers at risk, and working constructively with democratic institutions to strengthen rights-based governance.

Source: Dhaka Tribune February 18, 2026 03:51 UTC