DHAKA: Vote counting is in progress after tens of millions of voters took part in Bangladesh’s first national election since the 2024 ouster of Sheikh Hasina following a turbulent Gen Z-led uprising.
Polling started at 7:30am local time and continued smoothly until 4:30pm nationwide. While final turnout figures are pending, Election Commission senior secretary Akhtar Ahmed said that by 2pm, nearly half of all registered voters had cast ballots at 36,031 of 42,651 polling centres — already exceeding the total 42% turnout recorded in 2024.
Experts say a clear and decisive mandate is vital for stability in the 175-million-strong nation, which has faced months of unrest and disruption to major sectors, including the garments industry, the world’s second-largest exporter in that category.
This marks the world’s first national election following a Gen Z uprising, with Nepal expected to follow next month. Vote counting began immediately after polls closed, with early trends expected by midnight and final results likely by Friday morning, according to officials.
The race features two rival coalitions led by former allies — the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami — with opinion polls giving BNP an advantage. Prime ministerial contenders Tarique Rahman (BNP) and Shafiqur Rahman (Jamaat) both expressed confidence in victory and described the vote as historic.
The Awami League, led by Sheikh Hasina, is currently banned, and she remains in self-imposed exile in India, a shift analysts say could allow China to expand regional influence as Dhaka–New Delhi relations cool. Previous elections under Hasina were widely criticised for boycotts and intimidation.
Alongside the election, voters also participated in a constitutional referendum proposing major reforms, including a neutral interim election government, a bicameral parliament, greater women’s representation, stronger judicial independence, and a two-term limit for the prime minister.
More than 2,000 candidates — including many independents — are contesting for 300 seats in the Jatiya Sangsad. Voting in one constituency was postponed due to a candidate’s death. Over 50 political parties are participating — a national record.
Security and Election Day Atmosphere
Authorities deployed around 958,000 police, army, and paramilitary personnel nationwide. While no major violence was reported, isolated incidents occurred — including the death of a BNP worker in Khulna and injuries to two paramilitary officers and a 13-year-old girl after a homemade bomb blast in Gopalganj.
Voters described the environment as peaceful, energetic, and festive. Many said it felt like the first truly free vote in years.
Outside polling stations — including one where BNP chief Tarique Rahman and interim leader Muhammad Yunus voted — visible security and mounted police displayed banners reading: “Vote without fear.”
After casting his vote, Muhammad Yunus called the election a moment of renewal, saying it offers a chance to build a new Bangladesh and marks the end of a difficult period.
According to International Crisis Group consultant Thomas Kean, the key test now is whether the process remains fair and impartial and whether all parties accept the final results, which would signal a genuine democratic reset for the country.
