Dhaka, Bangladesh — Bangladesh has begun voting in what observers are calling the most consequential election in decades, marking a turning point in the nation’s turbulent political landscape. Millions of voters started casting ballots early today for the 13th National Parliamentary election, a contest that will determine the country’s leadership after major political upheaval over the past 18 months.
This election is the first since the fall of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, whose rule lasted more than 15 years until a nationwide student-led uprising in 2024 forced her from power and eventually into exile. Hasina’s long-dominant Awami League is no longer in the race, leaving Bangladesh’s politics fundamentally reshaped and opening the field to new rivalries.
Main contenders: BNP vs Jamaat-e-Islami
With the Awami League absent from the ballot, the election has effectively become a direct showdown between two major forces:
Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) – Led by Tarique Rahman, son of former prime minister Khaleda Zia, who has returned from exile to campaign. The BNP champions a platform promising anti-corruption reforms, greater political transparency, and protections for religious minorities.
Jamaat-e-Islami and Its Allies – An Islamist party making significant gains after its restoration as a registered political party, offering a contrasting vision that appeals to conservative sections of the electorate. Its rise has alarmed moderate observers concerned about secular governance.
Voting underway, bomb blast at Hasina’s former stronghold
BNP’s Tarique Rahman cast his vote at Gulshan Model School and College Centre in Dhaka. Meanwhile, 3 people were injured in a crude bomb blast in Gopalganj, which is Sheikh Hasina’s former stronghold, reported Hindustan Times.
Results expected by Friday
Polling opened at 7:30 a.m. (0230 GMT) and closes at 4:30 p.m. Counting will begin soon after. Early trends are expected around midnight and results likely to be clear by Friday (February 13, 2026) morning, Election Commission officials said, reported the Hindu.
Multiple pre-poll surveys suggest a competitive race, though some indicate the BNP alliance could win a decisive majority of seats — while Jamaat-led coalitions remain strong in several regions.
The electoral campaign has been marred by violence and political clashes. Rights groups and media outlets have documented numerous incidents of pre-poll unrest, including attacks on activists, clashes between rival supporters, and rising intimidation of journalists.
Religious minorities, particularly Hindu communities, have reported increased fear as tensions have spilled into communal areas ahead of polling day.
Today’s election — with voting under way from early morning — is being closely watched both domestically and internationally. Over 12.7 crore citizens are eligible to vote, including millions of first-time voters, according to reports. Security forces and election officials are deployed nationwide to ensure ballots are cast peacefully and without malpractice.
For Bangladesh, this election represents more than a change of government — it tests the strength of democratic institutions after years of dominant party control and political polarisation. Analysts say a credible vote and orderly transfer of power could mark a milestone for South Asian democracy and provide momentum for stability, economic growth, and civic freedoms.
