More than two years after Bangladesh’s July 2024 Uprising, concerns remain over the limited progress in implementing proposed reforms, tackling corruption and ensuring police accountability, according to a British government assessment of the country’s political and human rights situation.
The report, however, said the political environment had generally stabilised and improved since the uprising, both under the interim administration and following the formation of the BNP-led government after the February elections.
“Political parties, journalists, civil society organisations and human rights groups reported greater freedom to operate, express views and engage in public debate than under the previous Awami League (AL) government,” the report said.
Titled Report of a Fact-Finding Mission Bangladesh: Political Situation, October 2026, the assessment was published on the UK government website on 14 October.
Three officials from its Country Policy and Information Team visited Bangladesh from 7 to 15 June to gather information for the report.
According to the assessment, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Jamaat-e-Islami, the National Citizen Party (NCP) and other opposition groups were able to organise activities, campaign, hold protests and criticise the government.
Despite the improved political environment, violence continued, although it was generally localised and linked to competition over local influence, business interests, resources and political control.
The February election was largely peaceful and considerably less violent than previous polls, the report said.
The assessment also highlighted the continuing restrictions and hostility faced by the Awami League, which remains banned.
Public resentment towards the party persists over alleged human rights abuses during its rule and events surrounding the July 2024 Uprising.
While low-level AL supporters not implicated in corruption, violence or repression could generally continue living in their communities, those openly expressing support for the party could face harassment, social hostility or violence, the report added.
On politically motivated prosecutions, the report said most people arrested on such charges under the previous government had been released, while most cases had been withdrawn.
Police sources cited in the assessment said more than 21,000 politically motivated or false cases had been withdrawn, with reviews of older cases still under way.
However, criminal proceedings continued against many AL politicians, activists and officials over alleged conduct during the former government’s tenure and the July 2024 protests.
The cases were being heard by both the International Crimes Tribunal and ordinary courts. Some prominent figures had been released on bail, while others remained in detention awaiting trial, the report said.
The assessment’s findings point to a mixed picture of Bangladesh’s post-uprising transition: greater space for political expression and opposition activity, alongside continuing concerns over accountability, corruption, police conduct and the implementation of promised reforms.