US Congressional Briefing Warns Bangladesh Faces ‘Political Cliff’ Ahead of February 12 Elections

US, Feb 10 : Mounting Pressure on Democracy and Minorities
A recent US congressional briefing has warned that Bangladesh is nearing a “political cliff” as the country heads into its February 12 national elections. Speakers highlighted growing pressure on democratic institutions and increasing risks for religious minorities, underscoring potential implications for regional and global stability.

Held at Washington’s Rayburn House Office Building, the briefing brought together academics, journalists, and community leaders to examine Bangladesh’s political trajectory, with a particular focus on religious freedom, electoral credibility, and the rise of Islamist forces.

Religious Minorities as Barometer of Reform
Michael Rubin, senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, said the treatment of religious minorities is the clearest indicator of whether democratic reform claims in Bangladesh are genuine.

“When tolerance is lost, it’s extremely difficult to regain,” Rubin noted, adding that Islamist parties like Jamaat-e-Islami exploit religion to evade accountability. He warned that Bangladesh risks becoming a state of particular concern for religious freedom, a trajectory that should alarm Washington regardless of political affiliation.

Criticism of US Diplomatic Language
Rubin also criticized a reactive approach in US policy towards South Asia, pointing out that vague diplomatic language can obscure responsibility for political violence. He stressed that Jamaat-e-Islami should not be considered a conventional political party, describing it as a terrorist organization.

Regional and Global Stakes of the Election
Geopolitical analyst Adelle Nazarian emphasized that the February 12 vote carries significance beyond Bangladesh. She warned that excluding major parties like the Awami League from the electoral process normalizes coercion and sends a dangerous message that power is determined by force rather than legitimacy.

Nazarian also highlighted the weaponization of fear in politics, noting that rumors and whispers are increasingly treated as verdicts, destabilizing social peace.

Call for US Action and Accountability
Both Rubin and Nazarian urged Washington to demand a credible, inclusive election. They emphasized the need for political inclusion, a free press, equal protection under law, and the presence of international observers.

“The United States should back words with action,” Nazarian said, stressing that follow-through is essential for safeguarding democratic standards.

The briefing, organized by HinduAction and the Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA), comes amid growing international scrutiny of Bangladesh’s governance and religious freedom record as elections approach.