US Warns of Election Violence in Bangladesh, Urges Citizen Vigilance

In a post on X on Friday, it said, "Bangladesh will hold parliamentary elections and a national referendum simultaneously on February 12, 2026. During the election period, political violence or extremist attacks may occur, potentially targeting rallies, polling stations, and religious sites. U.S. citizens should remain vigilant, avoid demonstrations, and exercise caution in the vicinity of any large gatherings."

The post shared a statement by the US Embassy in Dhaka that further advised people to avoid large crowds and demonstrations, be aware of their surroundings, monitor local news, remain vigilant, keep a low profile, carry a charged mobile phone for emergency communications, review their personal security plans and plan for alternative travel routes.

Earlier on Thursday, the Bangladesh Interim Government expressed deep concern over the recent violent incident in Sherpur that resulted in the death of a political activist of the Jamaat-e-Islami party. Any loss of life linked to violence is unacceptable and deeply regrettable, the Chief Adviser Press Wing said.

With the national election only two weeks away, the government called on all political parties, including the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami, to demonstrate responsible leadership and ensure restraint among their supporters. Violence, intimidation, and loss of life have no place in a democratic process, it added.

The statement called for all parties, leaders, and campaigners to play their role in maintaining peace, respecting the rule of law, and engaging voters through peaceful and constructive means. The nation's future depends on calm, discipline, and democratic conduct from all sides.

It said that the Interim Government remains committed to ensuring a peaceful, free, and fair election.

Ahead of the upcoming elections, Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council in a statement placed demands for the election commission to create a level playing field and foster a positive environment so that religious and ethnic minority voters can go to polling centres without obstruction, prohibit use of religion and communalism in election campaigns, ensure religious places are prohibited from being used for election campaigning and that religious hate speech, statements, the spread of false rumors, or any such propaganda should be treated as punishable offenses.

As the elections draw close, the Bangladesh Election Commission said it is duty-bound to protect the voting rights of minorities and ensure a peaceful poll.

Senior Assistant Secretary Matiur Rahman said, "Our intelligence agencies have already gathered information regarding potential vulnerabilities in the region. The Election Commission has implemented preventive measures to ensure that no one can disturb the process or harm the voting of any group, including minorities. All agencies are carrying out their duties as per instructions. I can confidently say that no one will be able to interfere with the casting of votes."

Rahman said that the Bangladesh EC was taking all steps to ensure a free and fair election.

- ANI