DHAKA – Bangladeshis are voting today, , in a landmark election that signals a return to democratic processes following the 2024 ouster of long-serving Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The political shift was propelled by a Gen Z-led uprising, a watershed moment for the nation of 175 million people and a closely watched event internationally.
The election is considered crucial for stabilizing Bangladesh, which experienced significant disruption in the wake of the protests. The unrest, which included deadly clashes, impacted key sectors, notably the garment industry – the world’s second-largest exporter – and raised concerns about the country’s economic future. This election marks the first globally where a revolution spearheaded by those under 30 has directly led to a change in government, with Nepal following suit next month.
The primary contest is between coalitions led by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and the Islamist Jamaat-e-Islami, with recent opinion polls suggesting a potential advantage for the BNP. However, the political landscape has been dramatically reshaped by the banning of Hasina’s Awami League and her subsequent self-imposed exile in India, a long-standing ally. This development opens the door for increased Chinese influence in Bangladesh as relations with New Delhi cool.
Unlike previous elections that were often marred by accusations of intimidation and opposition boycotts, this vote features a remarkably crowded field. Over 2,000 candidates, including a significant number of independents, are competing for 300 seats in the Jatiya Sangsad, or House of the Nation. Voting in one constituency has been postponed following the death of a candidate. In total, at least 50 parties are contesting, a national record.
Muhammad Yunus, Nobel laureate and head of the interim government established after Hasina’s removal, emphasized the significance of the election earlier this week. “This election is not just another routine vote,” he stated. “The public awakening we witnessed against long-standing anger, inequality, deprivation and injustice finds its constitutional expression in this election.”
Alongside the parliamentary election, voters are participating in a referendum on a series of proposed constitutional reforms. These reforms include provisions for establishing a neutral interim government to oversee future elections, restructuring parliament into a bicameral legislature, increasing representation for women, strengthening the independence of the judiciary, and imposing a two-term limit on the prime minister.
Despite the large number of candidates and the high stakes, the campaign period has been largely peaceful, with only isolated incidents of disruption. This relative calm is a positive sign for the country’s democratic transition.
“The crucial test for Bangladesh now will be to ensure the election is conducted fairly and impartially, and for all parties to then accept the result,” said Thomas Kean, a senior consultant with the International Crisis Group. “If that happens, it will be the strongest evidence yet that Bangladesh has indeed embarked on a period of democratic renewal.”
Security is tight across the country, with more than 100,000 soldiers from the army, navy, and air force deployed to assist nearly 200,000 police officers in maintaining law and order throughout the voting process.
The events of 2024, often referred to as the “July Revolution,” saw widespread protests led by young people frustrated with corruption, nepotism, and a perceived lack of opportunity. The protests escalated, culminating in scenes of demonstrators storming government buildings, including the Prime Minister’s residence. According to reports, the government’s initial response, involving a crackdown by law enforcement, resulted in up to 1,400 deaths, as documented by the United Nations. Sajeeb Wazed, son of Sheikh Hasina, has since acknowledged that his mother’s government “completely mishandled” the situation, citing a “failure of communication and a failure of judgement” and the use of “excessive force” by law enforcement.
The fallout from the uprising led to an unprecedented order by a Bangladeshi tribunal court sentencing Hasina to death in absentia for crimes against humanity, a decision that drew widespread international criticism. The current election represents an attempt to move beyond this turbulent period and establish a more inclusive and representative government.
The outcome of this election will not only determine the future leadership of Bangladesh but also signal the extent to which the demands of the Gen Z movement will be translated into concrete political and constitutional changes. The international community is watching closely, recognizing the potential for Bangladesh to serve as a model for democratic renewal in the region, and beyond.
