A discussion titled “Bangladesh National Parliamentary Election 2026 and Inclusive Democratic Participation” was held on January 17, 2026, at the Sangskriti Bikash Kendra in Paribagh, Dhaka.
Organized by Byanjona Foundation, the event brought together politicians, student representatives, writers, activists, educators, and human rights defenders.
Speakers included:
Taslima Akhter (MP Candidate, Dhaka-12, Gana Sanghati Andolan),
Anwara Islam Rani (MP Candidate, Rangpur-3, Independent),
Sadaf Saaz Siddiqi (Writer & Activist, Women’s Political Rights Forum),
Lamia Islam (President, Rastro Songskar Chatro Andolon),
Hema Chakma (Executive Member, DUCSU, University of Dhaka),
Nirnoy Islam (Organizer & Educator),
Muntasir Rahman (Activist & Human Rights Defender, Chairperson Byanjona Foundation).
The session was moderated by Ferdous Ara Rumi, writer and rights activist.
The discussion highlighted the challenges to democratic participation ahead of the 2026 elections, including political violence, a climate of fear, limited representation of women and marginalized communities, and declining public trust in the electoral process. Speakers emphasized the shared responsibility of the state, political parties, and civil society to ensure voting rights, meaningful political engagement, and the establishment of an inclusive democracy.
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Byanjona Foundation 