Bangladesh has conducted its first national parliamentary election since the mass protests of 2024, which led to the ousting of Sheikh Hasina's government. The voting process unfolded peacefully on Thursday, marking a pivotal moment for the nation's democratic trajectory after years of political instability and turmoil. This election represents a critical examination of Bangladesh's commitment to democratic principles and governance.
Voting Process and Turnout
After a somewhat sluggish commencement, substantial crowds gathered at polling stations across the capital city of Dhaka and other regions as the day progressed. According to official statements from the Election Commission, more than 47% of eligible voters had cast their ballots by 2:00 p.m. local time. Polling officially concluded at 4:30 p.m., with vote counting commencing immediately afterward. The final results are anticipated to be announced on Friday.
At a polling station in Dhaka, election officials meticulously counted the traditional black-and-white paper ballots by hand. Each ballot was carefully inspected for validity before being included in the official tally. Representatives from various political parties were present as electoral observers, while security personnel maintained a vigilant watch to ensure order and integrity throughout the process.
Key Contenders and Political Landscape
More than 127 million citizens were eligible to participate in this historic election, the first since Hasina's removal from power following weeks of widespread demonstrations, often described as a Gen Z uprising. Hasina herself fled the country and is currently residing in exile in India, while her political party, the Awami League, has been prohibited from participating in the electoral process.
Tarique Rahman's Return
Tarique Rahman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) emerges as a leading candidate to form the next government. Rahman is the son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and returned to Bangladesh in December after spending 17 years in self-imposed exile in London. He has publicly committed to rebuilding democratic institutions, restoring the rule of law, and revitalizing the nation's struggling economy.
Jamaat-e-Islami's Resurgence
Challenging the BNP is an alliance of eleven political parties led by Jamaat-e-Islami, the country's largest Islamist organization. The party was banned under Hasina's administration but has regained prominence since her departure. The growing influence of this conservative religious group has raised concerns, particularly among women and minority communities, that social freedoms could face pressure if they assume power. Bangladesh's population is over 90% Muslim, with Hindus constituting approximately 8%.
Shafiqur Rahman, the chief of Jamaat-e-Islami, expressed optimism after casting his vote, stating to The Associated Press, "This is a turning point. People demand change. They desire change. We also desire the change."
Interim Leadership and International Oversight
Muhammad Yunus, Bangladesh's interim leader and a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, conveyed a positive outlook regarding the election, describing it as a moment of national celebration. "This is a day of great joy. Today is the birthday of a new Bangladesh," Yunus told reporters after voting in Dhaka's Gulshan area and visiting additional polling stations.
The interim government, led by Yunus, has emphasized its dedication to conducting a credible and transparent electoral process. As part of this commitment, approximately 500 international observers and foreign journalists were present, including delegations from the European Union and the Commonwealth, of which Bangladesh is a member.
Electoral Structure and Youth Influence
Bangladesh's Parliament consists of 350 seats, with 300 members elected directly from single-member constituencies and 50 seats reserved for women. Lawmakers are chosen by plurality voting, and the parliamentary term lasts five years. The Election Commission recently postponed voting in one constituency following the death of a candidate.
This election follows a turbulent period characterized by mob violence, attacks on Hindu minorities and the press, the rising influence of Islamist groups, and a weakening of the rule of law. The outcome could significantly reshape the domestic stability of Bangladesh, a nation whose post-1971 history since gaining independence from Pakistan has been marked by entrenched political parties, military coups, and allegations of electoral fraud.
Young voters, many of whom played a central role in the 2024 uprising, are expected to exert considerable influence. Approximately 5 million first-time voters were eligible to participate. Ikram ul Haque, a 28-year-old voter, remarked, "I think it is a very crucial election because this is the first time we can show our opinion with freedom. Past elections were far from fair. We are celebrating the election. It is like a festival here. I hope Bangladesh will have exponential change."
Constitutional Referendum and Future Reforms
Thursday's election serves as a critical test not only for leadership but also for trust in Bangladesh's democratic future. Voters had the opportunity to endorse major reform proposals through a referendum, stemming from a national charter signed by major political parties last year.
Yunus also expressed enthusiasm for the referendum, stating, "Voting for a candidate is important, but the referendum is very important. The whole of Bangladesh will change." If a majority of voters support the referendum, the newly elected Parliament could establish a constitutional reform council to implement changes within 180 working days from its first session.
The proposed reforms include the creation of new constitutional bodies and transforming Parliament from a unicameral legislature to a bicameral system, with an upper house empowered to amend the constitution by majority vote. Both the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami signed the document after initially expressing some dissent, albeit with modifications.
Hasina's Awami League party, along with some of its former allies, was excluded from the discussions surrounding the charter. From exile, Hasina has denounced the election for barring her party's participation. Some critics have also argued that the referendum has limited the options presented to voters, potentially constraining democratic choice.
