"Bangladesh Faces Rising Election Violence and Urgent Calls for Electoral Integrity"

Bangladesh is exhibiting signs of a shift towards totalitarianism, with the ruling Awami League (AL) party tightening its grip on power ahead of flawed elections. The cancellation of a university discussion on national curriculum changes and the criminalization of criticism against Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her father indicate a suppression of dissent. The state is also prescribing behaviors, such as mandatory participation in competitions glorifying Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and chanting the party slogan in schools. The arrest of a journalist for reporting on economic issues further demonstrates the regime's control over information. Civicus has downgraded Bangladesh's civic space rating to "closed," and there are concerns that the country may become a full-fledged totalitarian state post-elections.