Restoring the Rule of Law: Justice for All

Following the change of regime and the formation of an elected government in February 2026, Bangladesh entered a new phase of political transition, raising public expectations for meaningful reforms and accountable governance. However, the crucial question remains: what has changed in practice, and how far have these aspirations translated into reality? A change in political leadership alone cannot guarantee the rule of law. The real measure of progress is whether ordinary citizens can exercise their fundamental rights, obtain justice without discrimination and hold those in power accountable under the same laws that apply to everyone.

Recent international assessments suggest that Bangladesh has made limited progress but continues to face serious institutional challenges. The World Justice Project’s (WJP) Rule of Law Index 2026 ranked Bangladesh 123rd among 143 countries and jurisdictions, with a score of 0.393 out of 1. This represented a two-place improvement from 125th in 2025, but the country remained well below the global average of approximately 0.55. Bangladesh ranked fourth among six South Asian countries. These findings underline the scale of the work required to strengthen the country’s legal and governance institutions.

A closer examination of the index reveals deeper concerns about fundamental rights, civil justice, regulatory enforcement and criminal justice. Bangladesh’s performance in these areas highlights a fundamental question: does the law protect everyone equally, or does its application depend on wealth, political connections and influence? The rule of law cannot be measured simply by the number of laws enacted, arrests made or official promises announced. It depends on whether laws are applied impartially, public institutions operate within their legal authority, corruption is investigated and citizens can challenge abuses of power without fear.

Bangladesh’s challenges extend beyond the WJP assessment. Freedom House’s Freedom in the World 2026 report assigned the country 44 out of 100, classifying it as “Partly Free”. Although such assessments cannot capture every aspect of national life, they provide useful evidence of continuing concerns involving political rights, civil liberties and institutional accountability. These findings reinforce the need for reforms that protect fundamental freedoms and ensure that public institutions remain answerable to the people.

The World Justice Project’s (WJP) Rule of Law Index 2026 ranked Bangladesh 123rd among 143 countries and jurisdictions, with a score of 0.393 out of 1. This represented a two-place improvement from 125th in 2025, but the country remained well below the global average of approximately 0.55. 

A change of government must not merely replace one group of political beneficiaries with another. Allegations of corruption, unlawful detention, misuse of public resources and abuse of authority must be investigated fairly, regardless of the political identity of those implicated. The Anti-Corruption Commission, the Comptroller and Auditor General and parliamentary oversight committees must operate independently and effectively. Public procurement, government expenditure and the conduct of public officials should be subject to transparent scrutiny. Without credible investigations and meaningful consequences for wrongdoing, public confidence in political promises will continue to erode.

The judiciary faces an equally serious challenge. According to information presented by the law minister in Parliament, 46,39,476 cases were pending across Bangladesh’s courts as of 31 March 2026, including more than 40.78 lakh in lower courts. Such a backlog means that many citizens must wait years for decisions affecting their property, livelihoods, personal security and fundamental rights. Prolonged litigation imposes financial and emotional burdens, particularly on poor families who cannot afford lawyers, transport and repeated court appearances. Increasing judicial capacity, improving case management, expanding legal aid and reducing unnecessary adjournments are essential, without compromising fair trials or judicial independence.

Law enforcement remains another critical test. The United Nations Human Rights Office estimated in February 2025 that as many as 1,400 people may have been killed during the July-August 2024 protests and associated crackdown. Its investigation documented serious human rights violations and called for accountability. Justice for victims and their families is essential to preventing future abuses and rebuilding public trust. Accountability must follow due process, rely on credible evidence and apply equally to all individuals implicated in wrongdoing.

Violence by non-state actors is also deeply troubling. Human Rights Watch, citing Ain o Salish Kendra, reported that at least 124 people were killed in mob attacks between June and August 2025. Such incidents demonstrate the danger of allowing public anger, political rivalry or unverified accusations to replace lawful investigation and judicial proceedings. No allegation, however serious, justifies beating or killing a suspect outside the legal process. The state has a responsibility to protect every person from mob violence and bring perpetrators to justice.

Concerns have also been raised about the independence of institutions responsible for safeguarding human rights. Human rights organisations have called for stronger safeguards, greater institutional independence and effective accountability for abuses. These concerns warrant serious parliamentary scrutiny and open public debate. An independent human rights commission must have the authority, resources and institutional freedom to investigate allegations involving powerful individuals and state agencies.

For ordinary citizens, the rule of law is not an abstract constitutional principle. It determines whether a woman can report violence safely, whether a businessperson can resist extortion, whether a landowner can defend property against a powerful adversary and whether a family can obtain justice after a crime. Extortion raises business costs and consumer prices, corruption diverts public resources from essential services, and uncertainty over property rights discourages investment. When licences, contracts and public services depend on personal connections or unofficial payments, honest businesses and capable individuals are disadvantaged.

Bangladesh needs a comprehensive programme of institutional reform. Judicial independence must be strengthened, police accountability improved and anti-corruption institutions empowered to investigate influential individuals without political interference. Parliament must scrutinise government decisions and public expenditure effectively. Journalists, civil society organisations and whistleblowers must be able to expose wrongdoing without intimidation. The government should also publish reliable data on crime, extortion complaints, arrests, prosecutions, case disposal, custodial deaths and disciplinary action against officials so that citizens can assess whether reforms are delivering results.

Restoring the rule of law requires a change in political culture as well as institutional reform. Political leaders must reject the use of partisan influence to protect allies or target opponents. Accountability must be consistent, evidence-based and subject to due process. Selective justice is not justice; it is another form of political control. Public institutions must serve citizens impartially, irrespective of political affiliation, wealth or social status.

Bangladesh’s political transition offers an important opportunity to build a state in which public institutions serve citizens rather than political interests. The country’s modest improvement in the WJP’s 2026 ranking is encouraging, but its persistently low position demonstrates the scale of the challenge. Sustainable progress requires independent institutions, impartial policing, transparent governance and equal protection under the law.

The ultimate test of democratic transformation is whether an ordinary citizen can seek justice against a powerful person and expect a fair hearing, whether businesses can operate without extortion, and whether public officials face consequences for misconduct. The rule of law must not remain a political slogan or a privilege reserved for the powerful. It must become a daily guarantee for every citizen, regardless of wealth, gender, religion, political affiliation or social status. Only then can Bangladesh ensure justice for all, restore public confidence and bring lasting relief from the suffering caused by lawlessness and impunity.