Bangladesh's Historic 2026 Election: First Post-Hasina Vote Tests Democratic Reset

Bangladesh's general election on Thursday, February 12, 2026, represents a watershed moment in the nation's political history. This will be the country's first national vote since former prime minister Sheikh Hasina was removed from power in a youth-led uprising in August 2024, ending her 15-year rule. The election brings to a close an 18-month transition period overseen by an interim administration led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus.

Alongside the parliamentary polls, voters will participate in a referendum on constitutional reforms, making this exercise not just a test of political leadership but a crucial examination of Bangladesh's democratic reset. Nearly 127 million people are eligible to vote in this pivotal event that will determine the country's political direction after years of turmoil.

What Triggered the Political Transition?

Public discontent had been simmering for years under Hasina's government, with allegations of election manipulation, shrinking civil liberties, and suppression of opposition voices. These tensions reached a boiling point in 2024 when student-led protests were met with violent security responses that resulted in hundreds of deaths and eventually forced Hasina into exile in India.

For many voters, memories of this violent period continue to shape their expectations for the election. "I don't want any more bad incidents in Bangladesh, or a war-like situation," news agency AP quoted Arefin Labib as saying, referencing the violence during the uprising. "If the country wants to run smoothly, then a fair election is needed."

Main Political Contenders and Coalitions

The election is effectively a contest between two major coalitions, according to Reuters analysis:

BNP-led Coalition: The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is contesting 292 of the 300 parliamentary seats, with the remainder allocated to smaller coalition partners. Led by Tarique Rahman, the 60-year-old son of former prime minister Khaleda Zia, this coalition has made several key campaign promises including financial aid for poor families, a 10-year cap on prime ministerial terms, attracting foreign investment, and implementing anti-corruption measures.
Jamaat-e-Islami-led 11-Party Coalition: The Islamist Jamaat-e-Islami, which was banned for years under Hasina's rule, has resurged since her fall and is contesting 224 seats. Its key ally, the National Citizen Party (NCP) led by Gen Z activists, is contesting 30 seats, with the rest distributed among smaller partners. If this alliance wins, Jamaat chief Shafiqur Rahman is expected to become prime minister.

The Rise of Shafiqur Rahman

Once a marginal figure in national politics, Shafiqur Rahman, 67, has experienced a remarkable political ascent since 2024 to become one of the election's most prominent faces. A doctor by training and Jamaat chief since 2020, Rahman was previously imprisoned under Hasina's administration while his party was driven underground.

Following the uprising, the interim government eased restrictions, and a court lifted Jamaat's ban in 2025. Rahman has since toured the country extensively, overseeing charity and flood-relief initiatives while projecting Jamaat as a clean, anti-corruption alternative. "We tried to raise our voice, but repeatedly it was suppressed," he told Reuters. "After the uprising, we got a chance to come again to the surface."

Analysts attribute his rise to a leadership vacuum. "There was no visible leader in Bangladesh after the uprising," said Dhaka University professor Shafi Md Mostafa. "Within barely two years, Rahman became a frontrunner."

However, Rahman's views on women have generated controversy. Jamaat has not fielded a single female candidate, and Rahman has drawn criticism for remarks suggesting limits on women's work outside the home, fueling anxiety among women and minority communities.

Key Issues Driving Voter Concerns

According to Reuters analysis, voters heading to the polls are primarily focused on five major concerns:

Corruption: Ranked as the top concern in opinion polls, with Bangladesh consistently performing poorly on Transparency International's Corruption Perceptions Index. Both major coalitions have made anti-graft pledges central to their campaigns.
Inflation: Standing at 8.58% in January, rising prices are cited as a major worry by more than two-thirds of respondents.
Economic Development: Once among Asia's fastest-growing economies, Bangladesh has struggled since COVID-19 and the disruption of its export-driven garments sector during the 2024 unrest.
Employment: With approximately 40% of the population under 30, job creation represents a critical pressure point for the next government.
Ban on Awami League: Hasina's Awami League has been barred from contesting. Surveys indicate nearly half of former Awami League voters now favor the BNP, while about 30% lean toward Jamaat.

Voter Perspectives and Democratic Expectations

Beyond party politics, voters consistently link democratic legitimacy to security and stability. "I want the government to prevent riots, killings, and any other trouble," Zainul Abedeen, a 62-year-old street vendor in Dhaka, told AP.

Others acknowledge that while the interim government stabilized the economy, it failed to deliver deeper reforms. "The political situation was so fragmented that it couldn't sort it out," said Dhaka resident Rajit Hasan. "We want democracy. We want our rights. We want the rule of law."

Women's Concerns in the Election

Bangladesh's political history includes extended periods of female leadership under Khaleda Zia and Sheikh Hasina, giving many women a sense of representation. This legacy now appears threatened as fewer women are contesting seats despite their visible role in the protests that precipitated the election.

"One of my primary hopes was that there would be more women leaders and women's issues would be prioritised," said economics student Wasima Binte Hussain. "It hasn't been prioritised that much."

Concerns have intensified with Jamaat's resurgence. For 22-year-old student Sayma Nowshin Suha, the fear is ideological. "In Bangladesh," she said, "conservatism is the scariest thing."

Broader Implications and What's at Stake

With nearly 128 million voters in one of the world's youngest electorates, the February 12 vote will determine whether Bangladesh can translate protest-driven change into stable democratic governance. For many observers, this election transcends mere government formation—it represents a crucial opportunity to restore institutional trust after years of political turmoil.

The election schedule includes:

Campaign period: January 22 to February 10, 2026
Election day (polling): February 12, 2026
Vote counting: Begins immediately after polls close on February 12, 2026

As Bangladesh prepares for this historic democratic exercise, the world watches to see whether the nation can successfully navigate its post-Hasina political landscape and establish a foundation for sustainable democratic governance.