Bangladesh’s democracy has long been confined within a personalized political system, former US ambassador to Bangladesh Dan Mozena says, adding that the country now faces a historic opportunity for citizens to elect their leaders.

Speaking on last Saturday at a discussion in Virginia’s Alexandria near Washington, DC, Mozena said the opportunity created through voting must not be lost to fear, intimidation or temptation.

The event, titled “The Upcoming Election 2026 and the Role of Civil Society”, was organized by the US-Bangladesh Advocacy Council at the Washington University of Science and Technology.

In his keynote address, Mozena said “Bangladesh is going through a difficult period but recent political changes have created a possibility for democratic restoration”.

Mozena served as an envoy to Dhaka from Nov 24, 2011 until Jan 12, 2015. He shared his experiences of working to strengthen democracy in Bangladesh and said, “I have never given up”.

He credited the July Uprising leaders for the current situation in the country, saying the “return of democracy” would not have been possible without the movement.

Mozena added that he intends to continue supporting the Bangladeshi people in their democratic journey.