What happened in Yunus's Bangladesh that even America came under tension? There was a ruckus, a warning was given

Last Updated:December 16, 2025, 10:37 IST

After the announcement of February 2026 parliamentary elections and national referendum in Bangladesh, the US Embassy has issued a security alert for the entire country. Expressing fear of violence, America has advised its citizens to stay away from rallies and crowds. This election will be the first general election after the fall of Sheikh Hasina government.

Guards standing guard at the Election Commission in Bangladesh.

International concern has started increasing about the situation in Bangladesh before the parliamentary elections to be held next year. Violence is being seen in Bangladesh. One candidate, Osman Hadi, was shot in the head. After the incident, an office of the Election Commission was burnt in Bangladesh. America is most worried after these incidents. The US Embassy has issued a security alert for the entire Bangladesh, advising American citizens to remain alert during the election environment and stay away from crowds and political rallies. This warning has come at a time when Bangladesh Election Commission has announced that parliamentary elections and national referendum will be held simultaneously on 12 February 2026. This will be the first time that two major democratic exercises will be held in the country on the same day.

Why is the fear of violence haunting America?

The US Embassy in Dhaka has said in its advisory that political rallies, protests and public meetings may intensify as the election date approaches, and even if they are initially peaceful, there will be a risk of them turning violent.

What advice did America give to its citizens?

Stay away from any kind of political meeting or demonstration.
Avoid going to large crowds.
Keep an eye on local media news.
Be alert about the situation around you.

First election after Sheikh Hasina left power

The February 2026 election in Bangladesh is being considered very important politically, as it will be the first general election after the fall of Sheikh Hasina government following the student movement in August 2024. At present, an interim government is in power in Bangladesh under the leadership of Nobel laureate Mohammad Yunus.

Along with elections, decision on July charter will also be taken

Along with parliamentary elections, voters will also take part in a national referendum. This referendum will be on the proposed ‘July Charter’, which includes proposals for major changes like curbing the powers of the executive, strengthening the judiciary and institutional reforms. It is being considered as the backbone of state reform after the political change of 2024.

What is the election programme?

Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin, in his address to the nation, said that nominations will be filed till December 29, 2025, election campaigning will start from January 22, 2026 and campaigning will stop 48 hours before voting. The Election Commission has claimed that it is fully prepared to conduct free, fair and inclusive elections. The US Embassy has said that if needed, American citizens can contact the Embassy in Dhaka, but the primary advice is not to go where there is political activity.