Int'l Day of Democracy today

The International Day of Democracy 2026 is being observed today in the country as elsewhere around the world.

Marking the day, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasised "the importance of bringing together people from across societies to enrich decision-making, foster trust and build more peaceful, inclusive and resilient societies." 

The United Nations Democracy Fund, United Nations Office for Partnerships will host an event on the International Day of Democracy on Tuesday at UN Headquarters to highlight how deliberative democracy can foster greater agency and ownership by bringing diverse voices into decision-making.

The event will reflect on experiences from citizens' assemblies across the globe and explore how participation, dialogue and inclusion can strengthen trust and contribute to more responsive, accountable and effective governance.

Governance systems can create meaningful opportunities for people to influence the decisions that affect their lives. Through dialogue, collaboration and efforts to understand different points of view, it can be ensured that no one is left behind.

Bangladesh appears to be regaining a strong footing once again in democracy after a political changeover last February through a participatory election as Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) secured an overwhelming majority in the votes and assumed office.

The democracy that reemerged on the election day of February 12, 2026, now is reshaping its course with good governance and rule of law under the BNP, led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. So, the people of Bangladesh are now beginning to feel and appreciate the value of the democracy they had been deprived of for years.

There are visible signs that Bangladesh is moving towards a true sense of democratization. Opposition voices are present in parliament. Political parties are able to organize programmes and criticize government policies. The media enjoys greater room to question those in power. 

Public criticism of the government is more visible. Even satire and political cartoons can appear without fear. This change in political atmosphere may appear simple, but after years of fear it carries enormous democratic significance.