Bangladesh (Commonwealth Union)_ Bangladesh will go to the polls on February 12 in what is widely seen as one of the most important elections in the country’s history. It will be the first national vote since a student-led uprising ousted the long-time prime minister Sheikh Hasina from power in August 2024. About 127 million people are eligible to vote in the election, which will decide all 350 seats in the Jatiya Sangsad, the country’s parliament. The political landscape has changed dramatically since the last election. The Awami League, Bangladesh’s largest party and Hasina’s political base, has been barred from contesting.
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Hasina, now living in exile in India, was found guilty of authorising the use of deadly force against protesters during last year’s unrest. Rights groups say around 1,400 people, most of them students and teenagers, were killed. A Bangladeshi court has since sentenced her to death in absentia. The February vote is expected to mark a return to democratic rule after more than a decade of disputed elections. Alongside the parliamentary contest, voters will also take part in a nationwide referendum on sweeping constitutional reforms. These include proposals to limit the number of terms a prime minister can serve, create a bicameral parliament, strengthen judicial independence, and expand fundamental rights.
Since the uprising, often referred to as the “Monsoon Revolution,” the country has been governed by an interim administration led by Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus. Public expectations are high that this election will be the first genuinely competitive contest in years. The race is mainly between the centre-right Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and the Islamist Jamaat-e-Islami. With the Awami League out of the running, the BNP is widely viewed as the front-runner, though Jamaat has emerged as a stronger challenger than many expected.
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Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)
The BNP was long led by former prime minister Khaleda Zia, who died recently. The party was founded in 1978 by her husband, former president Ziaur Rahman, and promotes Bangladeshi nationalism, market-friendly economic policies, and anti-corruption reforms. The BNP is now led by Khaleda Zia’s son, Tarique Rahman, who returned to the country after 17 years in exile and serves as acting party chief. While the party remains the most established force in the race, it faces internal challenges after years of repression and leadership changes. Opinion polls suggest the BNP could win between 33 and 35 per cent of the vote.
Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami (JI)
Jamaat-e-Islami, which was banned for much of the Awami League’s rule, has re-entered politics since the uprising. The party is led by Shafiqur Rahman and advocates governance based on Islamic principles, while also trying to broaden its appeal beyond its traditional conservative base. Jamaat has promised to tackle corruption and what it calls “mafia politics.” However, Shafiqur Rahman has drawn criticism for remarks suggesting women should not lead the party. Jamaat previously governed in coalition with the BNP from 2001 to 2006. Current surveys indicate it could secure between 30 and 34 per cent support. In a notable move, the party has fielded its first Hindu candidate, Krishna Nandi, in an effort to reach minority voters.
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National Citizen Party (NCP)
The National Citizen Party was formed by student leaders who played a central role in the 2024 protests. It is led by 27-year-old Nahid Islam and aims to turn street-level activism into electoral success. The NCP supports wide-ranging reforms, including drafting a new constitution, strengthening the judiciary, ensuring press freedom, expanding healthcare and education, and improving climate resilience. Despite its ambitious 24-point manifesto, the party lacks strong organisation and funding and remains far behind the BNP and Jamaat in opinion polls.
Key issues in the polls
The primary goal of these polls is to restore democracy. Many people seek protections to avoid the return of authoritarian leadership following years of carefully monitored elections. The Awami League’s future position is undetermined. Party officials have called for an election boycott, and Hasina’s son, Sajeeb Wazed, has warned that removing the party might lead to chaos. Economic stability is another key concern. Political violence has hampered Bangladesh’s key garment export sector, and voters are seeking for solutions to boost growth and safeguard employment. Foreign relations are also being scrutinized. Ties with India worsened during the rebellion, allowing China to strengthen its influence in Bangladesh. Finally, the campaign emphasizes governance, corruption, judicial reform, and press freedom. After years of media restrictions and politicized courts, many voters see this election as a chance to reset the country’s democratic institutions.
