Bangladeshis are voting on Thursday in an election seen as a pivotal moment for the country’s stability, following the ouster of long-time premier Sheikh Hasina last year in a Gen Z-driven uprising. The election marks a return to democracy after months of unrest triggered by anti-Hasina protests.
Bangladesh Holds First Post-Revolution Election
Analysts say a decisive result is crucial for steady governance in the nation of 175 million people, as previous unrest disrupted key industries, including the garments sector – the world’s second-largest exporter.
This election is considered the world’s first to occur after a revolution led by individuals under the age of 30, with Nepal set to follow next month. The contest features two coalitions led by former allies: the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and the Islamist Jamaat‑e‑Islami, with opinion polls currently favoring the BNP.
Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League is banned, and she remains in self-imposed exile in India, a long-term ally. This situation has opened the possibility for China to expand its influence in Bangladesh as Dhaka’s relationship with New Delhi deteriorates.
More than 2,000 candidates, including many independents, are competing for 300 seats in the Jatiya Sangsad, or House of the Nation, unlike previous elections that were marred by opposition boycotts and intimidation. Voting in one constituency has been postponed due to the death of a candidate. A total of at least 50 parties are contesting, a national record.
“This election is not just another routine vote,” said Muhammad Yunus, head of an interim government installed after Hasina’s ouster. “The public awakening we witnessed against long‑standing anger, inequality, deprivation and injustice finds its constitutional expression in this election.”
Alongside the parliamentary election, a referendum is being held on a set of constitutional reforms. These proposed changes include establishing a neutral interim government for election periods, restructuring parliament into a bicameral legislature, increasing women’s representation, strengthening judicial independence, and imposing a two-term limit on the prime minister.
Despite the large number of candidates and expectations of a close race, the campaign period has been largely peaceful, with only a few reported incidents.
“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.”
On election day, over 100,000 soldiers from the army, navy, and air force are assisting nearly 200,000 police officers in maintaining law and order.
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