UK Says Bangladesh Politics Stabilised, Graft Concerns Remain

Bangladesh’s political situation has stabilised and generally improved since the July 2024 uprising, but concerns remain over corruption, police accountability and the limited implementation of proposed reforms, according to a UK government report.

The report, published on October 14 following a fact-finding mission to Bangladesh in June, said political parties, journalists, civil society organisations and human rights groups reported greater freedom to operate, express opinions and participate in public debate than under the previous Awami League (AL) government.

The assessment was based on interviews with a range of sources about political developments, law and order, the treatment of political groups and progress in addressing alleged human rights abuses since the uprising.

According to the report, the political environment improved following the interim government period and the formation of a Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)-led government after the February 2026 election.

The BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, National Citizen Party and other opposition groups are able to organise political activities, campaign, protest and criticise the government, it said.

However, political violence continues, generally at the local level and often linked to disputes over influence, business interests, resources and political control.

Sources consulted during the mission described the 2026 election as generally peaceful and significantly less violent than previous elections. They also reported a decline in political violence since the polls.

Concerns Over Police Accountability and Reforms

Despite the improvements, the report highlighted persistent concerns about corruption, the effectiveness and accountability of the police, and the limited implementation of reforms proposed after the uprising.

Interviews with political representatives, journalists and civil society members presented differing assessments of the government’s progress. Some described greater freedom to work and report on sensitive issues, while others expressed concern that institutional reforms had stalled and that political influence over law enforcement and the judiciary remained a problem.

The report noted that several reform initiatives introduced during the interim government period had not been adopted or fully implemented by the new administration.

Concerns were also raised over the independence of institutions, the politicisation of the civil service and police, and the lack of comprehensive mechanisms for human rights protection and accountability.

The report said it remained too early to draw definitive conclusions about the extent to which the structural problems identified during the mission had been addressed.

Awami League Remains Banned

The Awami League remains banned, and public hostility towards the party continues because of alleged human rights abuses during its time in power and events surrounding the July 2024 uprising, according to the report.

Low-level supporters who were not associated with corruption, violence or repression were generally described as able to remain in their communities. However, people openly expressing support for the party may face harassment, social hostility or violence.

Some former AL members have aligned themselves with other political parties, moved elsewhere within Bangladesh or left the country.

The report also noted that some AL activists and professionals faced difficulties pursuing education, employment or other activities because of their political associations.

Politically Motivated Cases and Ongoing Trials

Most people arrested on politically motivated charges under the previous AL government have been released, and most cases have been withdrawn, the report said.

Police sources told the mission that more than 21,000 politically motivated or false cases had been withdrawn, while reviews of historical cases were continuing.

However, many AL politicians, activists and officials remain subject to criminal proceedings over alleged actions during the former government and the July 2024 protests.

The cases are being handled by both the International Crimes Tribunal and ordinary courts. Some prominent individuals have secured bail and been released, while others remain detained pending trial.

The report highlighted the importance of addressing alleged past abuses through credible investigations and fair legal proceedings, while noting continuing concerns among sources about accountability for serious human rights violations.

Scope of the UK Mission

Three officials from the UK government’s Country Policy and Information Team conducted the fact-finding mission from June 7 to 15, 2026, with support from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. The team visited Dhaka and interviewed representatives from different sectors.

The mission sought information about political developments since the July 2024 uprising and Sheikh Hasina’s resignation in early August that year. It also examined law and order, the status of historical politically motivated arrests, the treatment of political groups and the progress of cases involving alleged human rights abuses.

The report records information and assessments provided by interviewees; it does not constitute a judicial finding or a definitive assessment of every claim.