Published February 12, 2026
Voters across Bangladesh took part in parliamentary elections, marking a pivotal moment for the country’s democracy after a period of significant political turmoil and violence.
After a slow start, polling stations in the capital Dhaka and across the country were filled with voters by mid-morning. Voting ends late Thursday, with results expected Friday.
More than 127 million voters took part in Bangladesh’s first elections since the government of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina collapsed following widespread protests led mainly by youth, and hundreds of people were killed by security forces on her orders.
Hasina fled to India and remains in exile, and her party is banned from participating in elections. She was sentenced to death in absentia on charges of repression.
Tarique Rahman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has emerged as the frontrunner to form the next government. Rahman, the son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, returned to Bangladesh in December after 17 years in self-imposed exile in London. He has worked to strengthen democratic institutions, reestablish the rule of law, and address the country’s economic challenges.
Competing with the BNP is an 11-party coalition led by Jamaat-e-Islami, Bangladesh’s largest Islamist party. Although it was previously banned under Hasina, the party has gained significant influence since her ouster.
After the vote, Jamaat-e-Islami leader Shafiqur Rahman expressed confidence to reporters. [the election] It’s a turning point. People want change. they want change. We want that change too. ”
The election is being overseen by a transitional government led by Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus, which has promised a fair and transparent process. Around 500 international observers and foreign journalists are monitoring the proceedings, including delegations from the European Union and the British Commonwealth.
Bangladesh’s 350 seats include 300 directly elected members and 50 seats reserved for women. 299 seats are at stake after voting was recently postponed in one constituency following the death of a candidate.
This outcome could fundamentally change Bangladesh. Bangladesh’s post-independence history since 1971 has been defined by entrenched political parties, military intervention, and contested elections. Young voters, including the 5 million first-time participants who contributed to the 2024 uprising, are expected to have a big impact on the outcome.
