Slow reforms, graft remain concerns in post-uprising Bangladesh: UK govt report

Slow implementation of reforms, corruption and concerns over police accountability remain key challenges in Bangladesh despite an overall improvement in the political situation since the July 2024 uprising, according to a UK government fact-finding report published on 14 October.

The report also said political parties, journalists, civil society organisations and human rights groups reported greater freedom to operate, express views and participate in public debate than under the previous Awami League government.

However, the implementation of wide-ranging reforms proposed after the uprising remained limited, while concerns persisted over corruption and the effectiveness and accountability of the police, according to the report, which is based on interviews conducted in Dhaka from 7 to 15 June 2026.

The report, Report of a Fact-Finding Mission Bangladesh: Political Situation, October 2026, was prepared by three officials from the UK Home Office's Country Policy and Information Team, with support from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

It said the political situation had generally stabilised and improved following the interim government period and the formation of a Bangladesh Nationalist Party-led government after the February 2026 election.

Political violence has also declined since the election, with the vote described by sources consulted by the mission as generally peaceful and significantly less violent than previous elections.

Nevertheless, incidents of political violence continue, mostly at the local level and often linked to disputes over influence, business interests, resources and political control, the report said.

The BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, National Citizen Party and other opposition groups can organise, campaign, protest and criticise the government, according to the report.

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

Low-level Awami League supporters who were not involved in corruption, violence or repression are generally able to remain in their communities. However, those who openly express support for the party may face harassment, societal hostility or violence, the report said.

Some former Awami League members have joined other political parties, relocated within Bangladesh or left the country.

The report also highlighted progress in addressing politically motivated cases filed under the former government. 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.

At the same time, large numbers of Awami League 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 heard by both the International Crimes Tribunal and the ordinary courts. Some prominent individuals have been released on bail, while others remain detained pending trial.