Bullets, fire and an atmosphere of fear! US Embassy warns on Bangladesh elections; Security forces on high alert

US Embassy Alert Bangladesh: Bangladesh’s main political party, Awami League, has expressed serious concern over the increasing violence in the country ahead of the general elections to be held in February 2026. The party says that within just 24 hours of the announcement of the schedule of the 13th national parliamentary elections proposed on February 12, 2026, several incidents of violence have come to light from different parts of the country which raise questions on the democratic process.

According to the Awami League, during this period, a potential candidate was shot in broad daylight, several election offices were set on fire and incidents of arson were recorded in various areas of the capital Dhaka. In a statement issued on the social media platform ‘X’, the party said that these incidents have raised serious concerns regarding the safety of voters, stability of the electoral environment and fair voting.

systematic atmosphere of fear

Quoting security experts, the party warned that the current situation does not appear to be the result of any accidental development. Awami League alleges that this violence could be a planned attempt to create an atmosphere of fear and disrupt the democratic process. The party said that for Bangladesh, this election is not just a decision of power, but a big test of the country’s security, stability and democratic strength.

Security forces were put on high alert

Meanwhile, the interim government led by Mohammad Yunus has claimed that any attempt to influence or harm the elections will be responded to strictly. According to the government, security forces have been put on high alert and additional security arrangements are being made in sensitive areas.

US Embassy issued security alert

Considering the seriousness of the situation, the US Embassy in Dhaka has also issued a security alert. The embassy has advised American citizens living in Bangladesh to remain cautious, stay away from crowds and political demonstrations. The embassy said that the Election Commission has announced simultaneous holding of parliamentary elections and a national referendum on February 12, 2026, due to which political rallies and demonstrations may become more intense in the coming days.

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The US Embassy warned that even demonstrations that began with peaceful intentions could suddenly turn into confrontation and violence. Citizens have been advised to keep an eye on the situation around them and pay attention to local media news.

Worrying incidents of violence in the country

The warning comes at a time when Sharif Usman Hadi, a potential independent candidate from Dhaka-8 constituency, was shot dead in broad daylight in Bijaynagar area on December 12. The attackers were riding a motorcycle and opened fire when Hadi was traveling in a rickshaw. He was shot in the head and is in critical condition and has been sent to Singapore for better treatment.

Awami League alleges that during the interim government led by Yunus, there has been a worrying increase in the incidents of violence in the country and the law and order situation is continuously weakening.