Dhaka, Jan. 14 -- Bangladesh's democracy has long been confined within a personalised 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 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 organised 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 cre...