I am a citizen of Bangladesh, like many others who have been denied the right to vote in the last three national elections. This personal ordeal is a reflection of a collective deprivation of democracy experienced by many across our country. Undeniably, free and fair national elections are the cornerstone of functioning democracy, and without them, our voices remain unheard. Let us remind ourselves that democracy extends beyond local government elections; true democratic governance is realized from a legitimate, representative national parliament. My personal experience resonates with the harsh reality that my fundamental right, as well as yours, to vote has been violated. Voting is more than a civic duty—it is the very foundation of democracy, allowing us, its citizens, to influence how our nation is governed. Being denied this right equates to an exclusion from the democratic process, leaving us powerless in shaping our nation’s future. According to Freedom House, Bangladesh scores only 39 out of 100 in its Freedom in the World Index (2021), emphasizing the dire state of our democracy. Furthermore, Human Rights Watch reports widespread voter suppression and violence during the 2018 national elections, adding to the severity of our situation. It is essential that we stand together to reclaim our democratic freedom. Sign this petition to advocate for the restoration of free and fair national elections in Bangladesh.