Politicians and the bureaucracy have failed to learn lessons from the July Uprising, Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman said on Sunday (2 February), stressing the urgent need to depoliticise state institutions to ensure democratic reforms.
Speaking at the TIB office in Dhaka during the release of the organisation’s research report titled
“One and a Half Years After the Fall of Authoritarianism: Expectations and Outcomes,”
he warned that failure to control mob violence could lead to unrest during the upcoming 12 February election.
“If mob culture is not properly controlled, violence may occur in the upcoming election, as seen in previous polls,” he said, urging the government to act firmly to prevent such incidents.
Iftekharuzzaman cautioned that the risk of violence could continue even after polling day, adding that the government is aware of the situation and possesses both the authority and capacity to respond effectively.
Referring to cases linked to the July Uprising, he said journalists have been detained in numerous instances, raising serious concerns about whether justice is being served or whether retaliation is taking place.
He emphasised that genuine accountability requires fair trials for those responsible for killings, human rights violations, corruption, money laundering and tax evasion.
The TIB chief also criticised the broadcasting and media commission ordinances, saying the media sector remains neglected and vulnerable, and questioned whether the interim government is genuinely committed to ensuring a free and safe press.
On proposed reforms such as an independent secretariat for the Supreme Court, he said their effectiveness would ultimately depend on the next government, warning that politicisation within the judiciary remains a major challenge.
Source: Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB)
Published: 2 February 2026