Participatory and Inclusive Elections in Bangladesh: The Final Test of Public Trust

By Delwar Jahid

Democracy is not merely a procedural exercise; it survives on public trust. That trust is born through elections in which citizens believe their votes matter and their voices are heard by the state. When trust collapses, even a constitutionally valid election fails to ensure stability or security. Bangladesh now stands at precisely such a crossroads.

With only a few weeks remaining before the election, the central question is no longer one of political strategy, but of state responsibility: will this election be conducted with public confidence, or will it proceed under the heavy burden of distrust? History shows that decisions taken at the final moment often determine an election’s legitimacy and its long-term consequences.

Without a truly participatory election, the very foundation of democracy weakens. When major political forces are effectively excluded, elections become inherently unequal contests. Even if such elections carry legal validity, they lack political legitimacy. This deficit inevitably fuels post-election crises, prolonged uncertainty, and deep social polarization—costs borne not by political elites, but by ordinary citizens.

The issue of inclusivity is no longer theoretical. Token representation of women, minorities, youth, and marginalized communities does not constitute inclusion. Genuine participation requires the meaningful involvement of all political perspectives and social groups. If their votes, voices, and representation remain invisible in decision-making processes, the election will come to symbolize exclusion rather than unity. Symbolic inclusion is merely a modern form of marginalization—one that quietly accumulates resentment and increases the risk of future upheaval.

The most serious concern remains state neutrality. Without restoring public confidence in the Election Commission, the civil administration, and law enforcement agencies, the election will be perceived not as a competitive democratic process, but as a mechanism for preserving power. In such circumstances, not only opposition parties but ordinary citizens will disengage from the electoral process. Voting rights may exist on paper, but their real value will be reduced to zero.

These realities are also clearly recognized in the international arena. Influential global actors—including India, China, Russia, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia—are openly calling for a participatory and inclusive election in Bangladesh. This is no secret message. The recent strain in Bangladesh–India relations has demonstrated that a crisis of trust is not solely a domestic issue; it directly affects diplomacy, economic interests, and regional stability. Russia’s cautious stance similarly underscores a fundamental truth: stability is impossible without trust and dialogue.

Time has not yet completely run out.
In this final week, the state must send a clear and unequivocal signal: equal opportunity for all political forces, a secure and fear-free campaign environment, genuine independence of the Election Commission, and visibly neutral administration. These are not excessive demands; they are the minimum conditions for a credible election.

An election does not end on the day results are announced.
A flawed election becomes a burden for an entire generation—and that burden is carried most heavily by ordinary people. The decisions taken today will determine whether this election becomes a foundation for renewed public trust or leaves behind a legacy of prolonged political risk and instability. The time to decide is now.