Unless Jamaat and its allies break this cycle, parliamentary democracy itself will be the biggest casualty. A history of missed opportunitiesThe first parliament in 1973 saw the Awami League hold an overwhelming majority, winning 293 of 300 seats. The second parliament (1979–1982) featured a larger opposition that played a crucial role in withdrawing martial law and re-establishing multiparty norms. An indispensable pillarIn a democracy, the opposition is not a rival to be crushed but an indispensable pillar of governance. They have come this far to become lawmakers and occupy the Opposition Bench -- not to walk out or boycott ceremonial state events.

Source: Dhaka Tribune February 19, 2026 19:10 UTC