The Polish Institute of International Affairs (PISM) published an analysis on February 18, 2026, dedicated to the historic elections in Bangladesh. Experts assess that the BNP victory and democratic transformation open new possibilities for strengthening EU–Bangladesh relations, from which Poland could benefit.
PISM analyst Patryk Kugiel emphasised that the February 12 elections were the first fully democratic parliamentary elections in Bangladesh since 2008. EU support for the process of democratic reconstruction and Bangladesh’s growing economic significance create favourable conditions for deepening cooperation. For Poland, as an EU member and significant importer of Bangladeshi garments, this presents an opportunity to expand bilateral relations.
PISM notes that the main challenge for the new government will be rebuilding cooperation with India and balancing the influences of China and the US in the region. Poland, as a country with experience in democratic transformation and an EU member, can offer support in institutional reform. Diplomatic relations between Poland and Bangladesh, established in 1972, are entering a new phase – amplified by the growth of bilateral trade in recent years.
Source: PISM: https://www.pism.pl/publikacje/bangladesz-po-historycznych-wyborach