Voting is taking place in Bangladesh on 12 February. This is the first general election after the ouster of Sheikh Hasina in 2024 through a “Monsoon Revolution” led by Gen Z. The vote, along with a referendum on constitutional reforms, pits the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) against the Jamaat-e-Islami-led Islamist coalition.
Hasina’s party, the Awami League, which ruled for 15 years, was banned under the Anti-Terrorism Act in May 2025 over protest deaths—with its activities and registration suspended. Former diplomat KP Fabian says this reduces the democratic credibility of the Observer, although many Bangladeshis see it as justice against alleged fascism.
BNP’s Tariq Rahman, known as the “prodigal son”, returned in December 2025 after 17 years in exile from London. He was fueled by sympathy and anti-Hasina sentiment following the death of his mother Khaleda Zia. Polls favor the BNP for its soft appeal among urbanites, minorities and working-class voters.
Jamaat-e-Islami, which was not banned after being removed, entered into an 11-party alliance with the National Citizen Party (NCP) formed by 2024 student revolutionaries. It blends Islamist structures with Gen Z energy, attracting young, educated voters with an anti-corruption and reform platform. Fabian describes it as “the combination of the Jamaat and Generation Z”, which makes the competition tough.
In the absence of the Awami League, the contest reconnects politics: the BNP is ahead but faces an Islamist challenge. Yunus’ interim government promises fair elections amid misinformation and security concerns.
Geopolitically, India (Hasina’s ally) is watching cautiously, while the US, China and Pakistan are keeping an eye on the impact to change. The outcome could reset Bangladesh’s democracy after years of one-party dominance.
