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As Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus oversees the transition, here are 10 key things to know about the Bangladesh elections
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Bangladesh votes in its first post-Hasina national election, with Awami League barred. BNP and Jamaat-led alliances compete, Gen Z plays a key role, and voters face a referendum on reforms. Key issues include corruption, inflation, and unemployment.
This is the first national election since the ouster of Sheikh Hasina in August 2024. (AP File)
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).
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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.
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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.
With AP Inputs
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First Published:
February 12, 2026, 07:00 IST
News explainers Bangladesh Votes Today: BNP Vs Jamaat To Gen-Z Factor, Why The Election Is Historic
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