A critical review of Bangladesh 13th Parliamentary Election

Transparency Tested

A Critical Review of Bangladesh’s 13th Parliamentary Election

Author

Minhaz Samad Chowdhury

Independent Human Rights Defender

Focus

Democratic Accountability & Political Rights

📊 Election Transparency Snapshot

99%

Candidates reportedly violated election conduct rules

68.6%

Candidates exceeded legal campaign spending limits

169%

Avg. spending above legal cap in extreme cases

46.4%

Constituencies reporting voter intimidation

35.7%

Reports of forced voting in sampled areas

40%

Sampled constituencies reported day-of irregularities

7

Elected female MPs (Decline from previous cycles)

184

Elected MPs classified as millionaires

2.36%

Independent representation in Parliament

Source: Presentation on 13th Parliamentary Election Process & Affidavit Review (2026)

Socio-Economic Concentration

The 13th Parliament reflects a notable trend toward the consolidation of wealth. With 184 millionaires elected and independent representation plummeting to 2.36%, the informational and financial environment has become asymmetrical, limiting equal political opportunity for marginalized groups.

📉

Reduced Diversity

Only 7 female MPs elected, signaling a step back for gender inclusion.

🏛️

Wealth Concentration

Excessive socio-economic focus reduces legislative representational diversity.

Elected MP Wealth Status

Regulation Without Enforcement

While spending caps are formally mandated, the lack of real-time digital monitoring allows candidates to exceed limits substantially without consequence.

Spending Cap Adherence (%)

Financial Inequality

When spending limits aren't enforced, wealth becomes the primary determinant of political competition.

Digital Dark Space

Social media campaign spending appeared largely unregulated and unaccounted for in official declarations.

Election-Day Integrity

The core test of democratic credibility is the protection of voter autonomy. Widespread reports of intimidation and forced voting suggest administrative inaction in key zones.

46.4% Voter Intimidation

Direct threats or harassment reported in nearly half of sampled areas.

35.7% Forced Voting

Coercion techniques used to influence ballot casting at the booth level.

Recorded Irregularities

A Roadmap for Institutional Reform

Independent Auditing

Mandatory verification of asset declarations to prevent "symbolic transparency."

Digital Monitoring

Enforce real-time tracking of campaign expenditures across all platforms.

Legal Sanctions

Implementing enforceable consequences for the 99% who violate conduct rules.

Media Safeguards

Ensuring proportionate visibility to prevent informational asymmetry.

Democracy at a Crossroads

Democracy is not sustained by ritual alone. If transparency evolves from publication to verification, Bangladesh can move closer to a framework that reflects citizen expectation.

"True measure lies in whether lessons are embraced for reform."

— Minhaz Samad Chowdhury

© 2026 Analysis Series: Democratic Accountability in Bangladesh