DHAKA, Dec 18: Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam is likely to brief foreign diplomats, development partners, and key stakeholders on the country’s overall situation on Thursday afternoon, amid grave concerns expressed by Western countries, including neighbouring India, over the deteriorating law and order situation.
Sources said the briefing will focus on the roadmap for the next parliamentary elections, the current security environment, and the process of transferring power to an elected government. The Foreign Secretary is also expected to outline preparations being undertaken by the Election Commission.
Bangladesh’s 13th national parliamentary election, along with a referendum on the July National Charter, is scheduled for February 12, 2026. Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin has announced that polling will be held from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm on that day.
The briefing comes against the backdrop of heightened international concern following the recent shooting of Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inquilab Mancha, at Purana Paltan. The incident has drawn expressions of concern from both the United States and India.
The interim government led by Dr Mohammad Yunus has reiterated its commitment to holding credible, transparent, and inclusive elections-an assurance critics say was absent in the parliamentary polls held in 2014, 2018, and 2024. Officials maintain that the February 2026 election will mark Bangladesh’s return to a democratic trajectory.
Foreign Secretary Siam is also expected to reassure diplomats of the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety of foreign missions, citizens, and voters, and to maintaining an environment conducive to internationally credible elections.
Meanwhile, the US Embassy in Dhaka has issued a security alert for American citizens, warning that political rallies and demonstrations are likely to increase as the election approaches. In an advisory issued on December 15, the embassy cautioned that even peaceful gatherings could turn confrontational, urging vigilance, avoidance of large crowds, and close monitoring of local developments.
Ambassador Asad Alam Siam assumed office as Foreign Secretary on June 20, 2025.
Separately, Bangladesh has indicated it will take India’s views on the election process into account. Foreign Affairs Adviser M Touhid Hossain said on Wednesday that India had not raised objections to elections conducted under the previous regime.
On Wednesday, Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to India, Riaz Hamidullah, was summoned by India’s Ministry of External Affairs, which conveyed strong concerns over the deteriorating security environment in Bangladesh. India flagged threats by extremist elements targeting the Indian Mission in Dhaka.
In a statement, India rejected what it described as a “false narrative” being propagated by extremist groups and said it was unfortunate that the interim government had neither conducted a thorough investigation nor shared credible evidence regarding recent incidents.
India reiterated its support for peace and stability in Bangladesh and called for free, fair, inclusive, and credible elections conducted in a peaceful atmosphere, while urging the interim government to ensure the safety of diplomatic missions in line with international obligations. (UNI)
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