Bangladesh Prepares for Pivotal Elections Amid Political Turmoil

Bangladesh is set to hold its first national elections on February 12, 2026, following the ousting of long-time Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024. The elections are seen as a critical test for democracy in the country, which has been marred by political unrest and violence. Hasina, who ruled for 15 years, fled to India after a student-led uprising and was subsequently sentenced to death in absentia for crimes against humanity related to the crackdown on protesters. Her former ruling party, the Awami League, has been banned from participating in the elections, leading to a significant shift in the political landscape.

Campaigning begins in Bangladesh for first election after Hasina’s ousterBangladesh's ex-PM alleges Feb. 12 election will not be freeBangladesh Kicks Off Campaigns Ahead of First Election After Hasina EraHasina alleges Bangladesh elections will not be freeCampaigning starts for Bangladesh's first national election after Hasina's ouster‘Illegal exercise’: Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League calls for nationwide boycott of February 12 polls in BangladeshFormer Bangladesh PM Hasina alleges elections will not be freeBangladesh kicks off election campaign ahead of Feb 12 vote, first since Sheikh Hasina’s ouster — Top updates

The primary contenders in the upcoming elections are the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by Tarique Rahman, and the Islamist party Jamaat-e-Islami, which has formed a coalition with the newly established National Citizen Party (NCP), comprised of student leaders from the 2024 protests. Rahman, who returned from 17 years in exile after the death of his mother, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, is viewed as a leading candidate for the premiership. Jamaat-e-Islami, which faced severe repression under Hasina's regime, is seeking to regain political influence after being banned for nearly two decades.

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Campaigning officially began on January 22, 2026, with large rallies held by both the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami. The BNP has positioned itself as a champion of change, with Rahman promising to create jobs and support women's economic independence. Meanwhile, Jamaat-e-Islami aims to present itself as a moderate force, focusing on anti-corruption and social justice. However, the political atmosphere remains tense, with reports of violence and a surge of disinformation complicating the electoral process.

What is Bangladesh’s Jamaat-e-Islami party? Could it lead the country next?

Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, who leads the interim government, has emphasized the importance of a free and fair election, stating that the upcoming vote will "set the standard for good elections." However, he has also expressed concerns about misinformation campaigns that could undermine the electoral process. In contrast, Sheikh Hasina, in her first public address since her ousting, condemned the elections as neither free nor fair, calling for a boycott and urging her supporters to reclaim democracy.

Campaigning begins in Bangladesh for first election after Hasina’s ouster

The exclusion of the Awami League from the electoral process has drawn criticism from various quarters. Former Awami League officials have labeled the elections an "illegal exercise," asserting that the interim government is conducting a "one-sided and rigged" election. This sentiment is echoed by some analysts who argue that the political environment remains fraught with instability and violence, raising concerns about the safety of voters and the integrity of the electoral process.

‘Illegal exercise’: Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League calls for nationwide boycott of February 12 polls in Bangladesh

As the February 12 elections approach, the political landscape in Bangladesh remains highly fragmented. The outcome of the elections will not only determine the future leadership of the country but also shape its political trajectory in the years to come. The referendum on the proposed July National Charter, which seeks to reform the political system, will coincide with the elections, adding another layer of complexity to the electoral process.

Campaigning begins in Bangladesh for first election after Hasina’s ouster

While the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami are the main contenders, the political dynamics are complicated by the presence of other parties, including the Jatiyo Party and various independent candidates. The exact impact of the Awami League's exclusion on voter turnout and sentiment remains uncertain, with some analysts predicting low participation rates, particularly in regions historically loyal to Hasina.

What is Bangladesh’s Jamaat-e-Islami party? Could it lead the country next?

• “Bangladesh stands today at the edge of an abyss, a nation battered and bleeding,” — Sheikh Hasina, Former Prime Minister

Bangladesh's ex-PM alleges Feb. 12 election will not be free

• “If you cast the ‘yes’ vote, the door to building the new Bangladesh will open,” — Muhammad Yunus, Interim Government Leader

Bangladesh Kicks Off Campaigns Ahead of First Election After Hasina Era

• “The only way to protest this fascist exclusion is to boycott the elections entirely,” — Mohammad A Arafat, Awami League Official

‘Illegal exercise’: Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League calls for nationwide boycott of February 12 polls in Bangladesh

The upcoming elections in Bangladesh represent a pivotal moment in the country's history, as it seeks to navigate the challenges of political transition and restore democratic governance.

Campaigning begins in Bangladesh for first election after Hasina’s ouster