Annex III
Dialogue Agenda
Roundtable Discussion Series on Minority Rights and the 2026 National Election Overview of the Roundtable Series
As part of a comprehensive assessment of the 2026 National Election, a series of regional and national roundtables were conducted to explore the theme of “Democracy for All” with a specific focus on minority rights, representation, and democratic accountability. These events brought together a diverse range of stakeholders, including representatives from civil society, lawyers, teachers, journalists, minority communities, and other marginalized groups.
Schedule of Events
Date Location Discussion Theme
Sunday, 18 January Dhaka, Democracy for All: Minority Rights, Representation, and 2026 Bangladesh the 2026 National Election
Wednesday, 21 Rangpur, Margins to Mainstream: Minority Participation and January 2026 Bangladesh Democratic Accountability
Thursday, 22 January Dhaka, An Inclusive Election: Minority Rights, Representation, 2026 Bangladesh and Democratic Credibility
Monday, 26 January Sylhet, Counting Every Voice: Minority Participation and the 2026 Bangladesh Future of Bangladesh’s Democracy
Participant Demographics
The insights captured in this report are based on the collective contributions of:
- Civil Society Representatives
- Legal Professionals (Lawyers)
- Academicians
- Media Professionals (Journalists)
- Representatives from Religious Minority Communities
- Representatives from Indigenous (CHT & Plain) Minority Communities
- Representatives from Religious Minorities
- Representatives from Socio-economic Minorities
- Political Representatives
Key Discussion Questions
The roundtable series aimed to address several critical inquiries regarding the inclusion of minority and indigenous populations in the electoral process:
- Overcoming Challenges: How can the specific challenges faced by minority and indigenous communities during the election process be overcome, and what specific policy support is required for their effective participation?
- Constitutional and Land Issues: What initiatives should be undertaken to address the constitutional recognition of indigenous peoples and resolve ongoing land and property disputes?
- Political Accountability: To what extent can the commitments made by political parties in their electoral manifestos be effective in safeguarding minority rights?
- Security and Non-Discrimination: What measures are necessary to ensure electoral security and prevent violence, intimidation, or discrimination against minority groups during the election period?