Bangladesh began voting in a crucial parliamentary election that could reshape the country’s political future after years of unrest and leadership turmoil. The polls mark the first national vote since the violent 2024 uprising that ended Sheikh Hasina’s long tenure, making this election one of the most closely watched moments in the nation’s modern history.
Long queues formed outside polling stations in Dhaka and other cities early in the day as voters turned out in large numbers. Authorities deployed more than 300,000 security personnel nationwide to prevent violence and maintain order during the election process.
Interim leader Muhammad Yunus, who took charge after the political transition, described the vote as a decisive moment for the country’s democratic future. “The significance of this day is far-reaching,” interim leader Muhammad Yunus, who will step down once the new government takes power, said in his address to the nation before the vote.
BNP vs Jamaat-e-Islami: Who Are the Main Players in Bangladesh Elections?
The main electoral contest pits Tarique Rahman’s Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) against a newly formed alliance led by Jamaat-e-Islami and the National Citizens Party. Opinion polls suggest a competitive race, with many indicating a narrow advantage for the BNP but warning of unpredictable outcomes.
Tarique Rahman, 60, leads the BNP campaign and aims to return the party to power after years in opposition. His political comeback follows his return from exile after multiple cases against him were dropped following the political changes in 2024.
On the other side, Jamaat-e-Islami chief Shafiqur Rahman, 67, runs a strong grassroots campaign through an 11-party alliance. His victory could bring Bangladesh its first Islamist-led government despite the country’s secular constitution.
Security concerns remain high, with police data showing five deaths and over 600 injuries during campaign clashes leading up to polling day.
Bangladesh Elections 2026: What Happened After Sheikh Hasina’s Ouster in 2024?
Bangladesh’s political landscape transformed dramatically after the student-led protests that forced Sheikh Hasina from power in August 2024. Authorities later banned her Awami League from contesting the election, significantly reshaping the electoral battlefield.
Hasina, who ruled for more than 15 years, received a death sentence in absentia for crimes against humanity related to a violent crackdown on protesters during her final months in power. She remains in hiding in neighbouring India.
The interim administration led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus has governed the country during the transition period and prepared the nation for this election.
Bangladesh Elections 2026: Security Measures and Disinformation Concerns
Authorities imposed extensive security arrangements amid fears of unrest and online misinformation campaigns targeting young and first-time voters. UN experts warned about rising political intolerance and a surge in false information during the campaign period.
Large deployments of soldiers and police aim to ensure a peaceful voting process. Analysts continue to stress that the credibility of the election depends on fairness and acceptance of results by all political parties.
“The crucial test for Bangladesh now will be to ensure the election is conducted fairly and impartially, and for all parties to then accept the result,” Thomas Kean, an analyst with the International Crisis Group, told news agency AFP.
Bangladesh Elections 2026: Bangladesh Parliament Seats, Majority Mark, and Government Formation Rules
The Bangladesh Parliament, known as the Jatiya Sangsad, includes 350 members. Voters directly elect 300 lawmakers, while parties receive an additional 50 reserved seats for women based on their election performance.
To form a government, a party or alliance must secure at least 151 directly elected seats. Members of Parliament serve five-year terms, and the results from this election will determine the country’s political direction for years ahead.
Bangladesh Elections 2026: India Relations and Political Stances in Bangladesh Elections
Foreign policy, especially ties with India, remains a key issue during the campaign. Historically, the BNP has taken a more sceptical approach to India compared with Sheikh Hasina’s government.
Jamaat-e-Islami has also held critical positions toward India in the past. Its chief recently said, “On 12 February, the people will show a red card to the slaves of hegemony…”
However, he also acknowledged the importance of maintaining relations with neighbouring countries, adding, “We are mutual neighbours. Neighbours cannot be changed at will, and this is something that neither of us can deny.”
