By Bangladesh held its 13th general election on February 12, 2026, marking the first vote since the 2024 Gen Z-led uprising that ended Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year rule. Millions of voters turned out across the country, signaling a major shift in the nation’s political landscape.
Record Voter Participation and Security Measures
With around 128 million eligible voters, turnout reached 32.88% by noon at approximately three-fourths of the 42,651 polling stations, according to senior Election Commission official Akhtar Ahmed. Over 300,000 soldiers and police were deployed nationwide to ensure security, amid warnings from UN experts about disinformation campaigns, threats, and potential violence, particularly targeting first-time young voters.
In Dhaka, long lines formed before polling stations opened at 7:30 a.m. local time, with citizens expressing excitement about participating in a free election for the first time in 17 years. Voters like Shithi Goswami, 21, called it a chance for positive change after years of political turmoil.
Major Political Contenders
Leading prime ministerial candidate Tarique Rahman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) expressed confidence in regaining power, while the Jamaat-i-Islami coalition mounted a strong campaign focused on justice and anti-corruption. Opinion polls suggest a competitive race, though many give the BNP a slight edge.
The interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, 85, has overseen the election and barred Hasina’s Awami League party from participating. Yunus, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, said the vote represents the nation’s move from a “nightmare” to a new democratic dream.
Key Election Features
Voters are also deciding on a referendum covering prime-ministerial term limits, a new upper house, stronger presidential powers, and judicial independence. 300 lawmakers will be elected directly, with an additional 50 women chosen from party lists. Counting begins after polls close at 4:30 p.m., with results expected overnight.
President Asif Ali Zardari of Pakistan extended best wishes to Bangladeshis for a peaceful and democratic process, emphasizing the importance of stability and fair governance in the region.
