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In what is being seen as a historic turning point, Bangladesh will vote on Thursday (February 12), the first since a mass uprising ended the 15-year rule of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Public expectation is running high that the vote could help reset democratic norms after more than a decade of disputed elections and shrinking political space.
As Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus oversees the transition, here are 10 key things to know about the Bangladesh elections:
Historic “First" Post-Hasina: This is the first national election since the ouster of Sheikh Hasina in August 2024, concluding 15 years of her rule.
Awami League Banned: The Awami League (AL), which won the last four elections, has been barred from participating, leaving millions of its traditional supporters without a candidate.
The Main Contenders: The election is primarily a “bipolar contest" between the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by Tarique Rahman, and an 11-party alliance led by Jamaat-e-Islami and the student-led National Citizen Party (NCP).
Concurrent National Referendum: Voters will receive two ballots: a white one for parliament and a pink one for a referendum on the July National Charter. The charter proposes major constitutional reforms, including a two-chamber parliament and prime ministerial term limits.
The “Gen Z" Influence: Dubbed the world’s first “Gen Z-inspired" election, the National Citizen Party (NCP)—formed by leaders of the 2024 student uprising—is a significant new actor.
Voting Logistics: Polls are open from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm at over 42,700 stations. Results are officially expected on the morning of February 13.
Massive Voter Roll: There are 127.7 million registered voters, including a record number of first-time young voters.
Expatriate Voting Power: For the first time, nearly 15 million overseas workers are eligible to vote via postal ballots.
Critical Issues: Voters cite corruption, high inflation (forecast at 8.7%), and unemployment as their top priorities.
Regional Stakes: The outcome is expected to shift Bangladesh’s foreign policy; a BNP win may signal closer ties with India, while the Jamaat alliance may lean toward stronger partnerships with Pakistan and Turkey.
