Bangladesh

"An informed society initiates dialogue and strengthens democracy."

Mohammad Sahil, NIMD Bangladesh Country Representative

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NIMD in Bangladesh: At a glance
What we do
How we do it
Meet the team

Main objective

To strengthen Bangladesh’s political parties as part of the country’s ongoing democratic and political transition.

Bangladesh: Political background

In the summer of 2024, a student-led movement ousted the Awami League (AL) government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, opening a rare window to restore democratic governance after years of authoritarian rule. Since the return to democracy in the 1990s, power alternated between the AL and the Bangladesh National Party (BNP). After returning to office in 2008, the AL consolidated power for over a decade until its removal in 2024.

The 2024 upheaval triggered a political transition aimed at restoring inclusive democracy under an Interim Government (IG) led by Nobel Peace Laureate, academic, and former civil society leader Professor Muhammad Yunus. The IG has launched wide-ranging reforms through multiple commissions, including constitutional and electoral issues, but faces growing pressure to deliver tangible results. General elections are scheduled for February to elect a new government. However, deteriorating public services, rising insecurity, and perceptions of a slow, elite-driven reform process have eroded public trust. The banning of the AL in May 2025 has further deepened political polarization. Many, especially civil society actors, welcomed the decision due to the party’s role in suppressing the 2024 protests and its human rights record. Yet others question the viability of a plural democracy without the participation of a political force that retains significant public support.

What we do

Against this backdrop, NIMD and the European Partnership for Democracy (EPD), together with the JAAGO Foundation Trust, are implementing the EU-funded Action for a Holistic Electoral Approach to Democracy (AHEAD) Bangladesh project. AHEAD promotes inclusive and transparent elections, strengthens civil society’s participation, and supports political pluralism and accountability before, during, and after the electoral period.

How we do it

Responsive Politics

Political parties in Bangladesh face significant challenges in strengthening their internal structures and ensuring inclusive participation. NIMD provides targeted technical assistance to help parties develop more inclusive candidate selection processes and build capacity for effective representation. Through training programmes for both parties and newly elected MPs, we enhance their understanding of democratic governance and their ability to serve their constituents effectively, equipping them with the skills needed to navigate Bangladesh’s evolving political landscape.

Dialogue

NIMD facilitates dialogue among political parties to reduce polarization and build trust around key reform issues. These dialogue platforms provide a safe space for political actors to discuss contentious topics, find common ground, and work collaboratively on solutions that benefit Bangladesh’s democratic development. The dialogues focus on practical reforms that can improve the political system and make it more inclusive and responsive to citizens’ needs.

Youth and Women in Politics

Young people and women have demonstrated their power as agents of change in Bangladesh, driving the movement that triggered the 2024 uprising. Yet their voices remain largely absent from formal political structures and processes. Our work with political parties and institutions also combines lobby and advocacy actions to ensure that the voices of young people and women are heard and valued in political institutions processes. We strengthen their capacity, and promote youth and women-led actions in order to create lasting pathways for their participation in Bangladesh’s political system. By empowering women and young people with the skills and platforms to engage meaningfully in politics, we help translate the energy of the 2024 student uprising into sustained political engagement.

Meet the team

Mohammad Sahil

Country Representative, NIMD Bangladesh

Get in touch directly with NIMD Bangladesh via nimdbangladesh@nimd.org

Mohammad Sahil joins NIMD with over 25 years of experience in democracy, governance, and inclusive political participation. He has led and managed large-scale programmes with a strong focus on strengthening democratic institutions, political dialogue, and civic engagement.

He has extensive expertise in electoral advocacy, political party engagement, youth and women’s leadership, and institutional capacity development, and has worked closely with government institutions, civil society, media, and international partners. Sahil has held senior leadership and advisory roles with many international organizations and has played a key role in programme design, resource mobilization, grant management, and MEAL.

He holds a master’s degree in public policy and governance and is a Digital Security Enthusiast. His work is driven by a commitment to inclusive, transparent, and accountable democratic processes, with particular attention to youth, women, and marginalized groups.