Ahead of the national election, concerns have intensified in Bangladesh over the absence of a level playing field for candidates. The issue gained urgency after an attack on Sharif Osman Hadi, a parliamentary candidate and spokesperson of Inquilab Mancha, raising questions about the state’s ability to guarantee safety and fairness. The article argues that ensuring equal opportunity for all candidates is not just an ideal but a measure of democratic maturity.

The commentary identifies three essential pillars for a fair election: equality of security, equality of resources, and impartial enforcement of law. It warns that when some candidates enjoy administrative protection and state resources while others face insecurity and financial constraints, democracy itself is undermined. The lack of neutrality erodes public trust, discourages voters, and diminishes the symbolic value of democracy both domestically and internationally.

The article concludes that the Election Commission and administration must act decisively to dismantle networks of violence, ensure candidate safety, and maintain visible neutrality. A fair election, it stresses, is not merely a change of government but the foundation of democratic survival.