Bangladesh Holds First General Election After Hasina Ouster

Bangladesh on Thursday began voting in its 13th parliamentary elections, the first national polls since the ouster of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024 following massive nationwide protests. The election is being closely watched as a test of the country’s democratic transition under the interim administration led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus.

Polling commenced at 7:30 am local time in 299 of the 300 constituencies and is scheduled to continue until 4:30 pm. Voting in one constituency was cancelled due to the death of a candidate. Counting is expected to begin soon after polling ends.

Simultaneous Referendum on 84-Point Reform Plan

The parliamentary election is being held alongside a referendum on an extensive 84-point reform package aimed at restructuring governance and strengthening institutions. Authorities described the exercise as one of the most complex electoral processes in Bangladesh’s history. Nearly 127 million voters are eligible to cast their ballots, with first-time voters accounting for around 3.58 per cent.

For the first time, nearly 800,000 expatriate Bangladeshis registered with the Election Commission are voting through an IT-based postal ballot system.

Major Political Contenders

The main contest is between the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its former ally Jamaat-e-Islami. The Awami League, previously led by Sheikh Hasina, was disbanded by the interim government and barred from contesting. A total of 1,755 candidates from 50 political parties and 273 independents are in the fray, including 83 women candidates. The BNP has fielded 291 candidates, the highest among all parties.

Muhammad Yunus urged voters and political parties to maintain restraint and democratic conduct, describing the polling day as a moment of renewal for the nation.

Unprecedented Security Deployment

The Election Commission has deployed nearly 900,000 to one million security personnel, the largest mobilisation in the country’s electoral history. Armoured Personnel Carriers and Rapid Action Teams have been stationed in key areas, particularly in Dhaka. Out of 2,131 polling centres in the capital, over 1,600 were identified as risk-prone.

Important Facts for Exams

• Bangladesh follows a unicameral parliamentary system with 300 constituencies.
• The 2026 polls mark the 13th parliamentary election since independence in 1971.
• Muhammad Yunus heads the interim government overseeing the transition.
• Postal ballots for expatriates were introduced for the first time in this election.

Reports of Clashes and Allegations

Despite tight security, reports emerged of overnight clashes and allegations of ballot irregularities in parts of Sylhet, Joypurhat and Dhaka. Authorities arrested several individuals over alleged misconduct, while party leaders dismissed rumours and urged supporters to ensure peaceful participation. Observers from 45 countries and international organisations are monitoring the electoral process.