Bangladesh Goes to Polls 18 Months After Sheikh Hasina’s Ouster
Around 127 million Bangladeshis to vote in the 13th Parliamentary elections; with the Awami League banned, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami-led alliance have become the major forces in this election
Feb 12, 2026 - Bangladesh is voting today, February 12, for the 13th Parliamentary elections and in, what is being described as the largest electoral exercise of the year. This is the first general election since the mass uprising in July 2024 that led to the ouster of former Prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s government. Hasina is currently living in India after fleeing Bangladesh.
Around 127 million Bangladeshis are eligible to vote in today’s landmark election over 299 constituencies. Besides Independent candidates, a total of 2,028 candidates are contesting as representatives of political parties. This election is special because voters will also participate in a national referendum aimed at deciding the future course of Constitutional reforms.
This crucial election comes 18 months after the collapse of Hasina’s 15-year-old rule following which an interim government, under Muhammad Yunus, took over running the country. These past months have been marked by mob violence, political turmoil, mass protests and deaths.
Hasina’s party, the Awami League, is currently banned from contesting. With the Awami League out of the race, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami-led alliance have become the major forces in this election. The BNP, led by Tarique Rahman, is a frontrunner to form the new government. Son of the late Begum Khaleda Zia, Rahman returned to the country in December 2025 from a self-imposed exile and is campaigning on democratic reforms and economic revival.
The Jamaat-e-Islami-led alliance is a strong competitor and has significant support in various regions.
Bangladesh's interim government has ensured that the election in the country is fair and peaceful. Nearly 1 million police personnel have been deployed to maintain law and order. Around 500 international observers and foreign journalists are said to be present, including delegations from the European Union and the Commonwealth.
Vote counting will begin immediately after polling ends at 4:30 pm. Results for both the Parliamentary elections and the referendum are expected to be declared on Friday, February 13.
With Media Inputs
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