“From Ballot to Governance: Protecting People and Strengthening Democracy in Bangladesh” is a report compiled by South Asians for Human Rights (SAHR). The document reflects the aspirations of the people of Bangladesh in the aftermath of the July 2024 mass uprising and the successful election that led to the establishment of the current government. It highlights the public’s desire to build a country that is free from corruption and nepotism, promoting and protecting human rights while advancing the transition to a democratic process. These observations were made during the SAHR’s Mission to Bangladesh in September 2025.
The report emphasises concerns such as violence linked to rising religious extremism resulting in multiple human rights violations. It also draws attention to the deterioration of freedom of expression and press freedom amidst a weakened rule of law, as well as the continuation of arbitrary arrests. At the same time, the report acknowledges several proactive reforms and legislation initiated during the Interim Government that received public support.
With these observations and findings, SAHR calls on the newly elected government to foster an environment conducive to the establishment of democratic practices in the country while prioritising the strengthening of the rule of law and the protection of human rights in Bangladesh.
The report can be accessed here.