Bangladesh at a Crossroads: Navigating a Pivotal Election
On February 12th, Bangladesh will hold an election marking a significant turning point in its 55-year history. The vote comes 18 months after a student-led movement forced Sheikh Hasina, a long-serving prime minister, into exile in India following a crackdown on protests that reportedly resulted in as many as 1,400 deaths.
A Young Nation, A Growing Economy
With a population exceeding 173 million, Bangladesh is the eighth most populous country globally. Over the past quarter-century, it has experienced rapid economic growth, though recent figures indicate a slowdown. The country’s GDP currently stands at $461 billion, with a per capita income of $1,990. GDP expansion reached 3.97 percent in the fiscal year ending June 2025, a decrease from the previous year’s 4.22 percent rise.
The Rise of First-Time Voters
A defining characteristic of this election is the substantial number of young voters. Approximately 56 million, or 44 percent of eligible voters, are between the ages of 18 and 37, with nearly 5 million participating for the first time. This demographic shift could significantly influence the election outcome.
Political Landscape: Parties and Players
Bangladesh’s political scene is complex, with 59 registered parties vying for power. However, Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League has been barred from fielding candidates, significantly altering the electoral dynamics. Key parties include:
- Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP): Led by Tarique Rahman, the son of the late former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, the BNP positions itself as a nationalist and conservative alternative.
- Jamaat-e-Islami: Led by Shafiqur Rahman, this Islamic party advocates for politics rooted in religious principles and has formed an alliance with the National Citizen Party.
- National Citizen Party (NCP): Emerging from the 2024 uprising, this centrist party focuses on citizen-led governance and reform, appealing to younger voters.
- Jatiya Party: Divided into two factions – JP-Quader and JP-Ershad – this centre-right party has roots in the military rule of the 1980s.
- Left Democratic Alliance: A coalition of left-wing parties.
- Amar Bangladesh Party (AB Party): A centrist party presenting itself as a reform-oriented alternative.
A History of Political Shifts
Bangladesh’s political history since independence in 1971 has been marked by instability, military intervention, and fragile democratic institutions. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the country’s first president, was assassinated in 1975, leading to a period of coups and counter-coups. The country subsequently experienced alternating periods of rule by the BNP and the Awami League, with a military dictatorship under Hussain Muhammad Ershad from 1982 to 1990.
The 1991 elections saw Khaleda Zia become the first female prime minister, but power continued to shift between the BNP and Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League in subsequent years. Hasina’s return to power in 2009 marked the beginning of a 15-year period characterized by economic growth and increasingly authoritarian tactics, culminating in the 2024 uprising that led to her exile.
Government Structure: A Parliamentary Republic
Bangladesh operates as a parliamentary republic. Executive power is vested in the elected government, comprising the prime minister, and cabinet. The president serves as the ceremonial head of state, indirectly elected by parliament for a five-year term. Legislative authority rests with the Jatiya Sangsad, Bangladesh’s 350-seat parliament, with 300 directly elected members and 50 seats reserved for women.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
The upcoming election presents Bangladesh with a critical opportunity to consolidate its democratic institutions and address the grievances that fueled the 2024 protests. The high population density – 1,366 people per square kilometer – and the sheer size of its capital, Dhaka (population exceeding 37 million), pose significant challenges to governance and infrastructure development.
Did you know?
Dhaka’s population is larger than that of Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, or Australia.
FAQ
Q: Who is currently leading Bangladesh?
A: An interim administration led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus has been leading the country since August 2024.
Q: What were the main reasons for Sheikh Hasina’s ousting?
A: A brutal crackdown on protesters in August 2024, resulting in an estimated 1,400 deaths, led to widespread unrest and ultimately forced her to flee the country.
Q: What is the current state of the Awami League?
A: The Awami League has had its registration suspended by the election commission, preventing it from fielding candidates in the upcoming election.
Q: What is Bangladesh’s economic outlook?
A: While Bangladesh has experienced rapid economic growth in the past, recent figures indicate a slowdown, with GDP expanding by 3.97 percent in the fiscal year ending June 2025.
Q: How many candidates are contesting the election?
A: A total of 1,981 candidates are contesting, including 249 independent candidates.
Explore more about Bangladesh’s 2026 Election on Al Jazeera.
