Bangladesh voted on Thursday in its first national election since the deadly 2024 uprising, as political parties suppressed under Sheikh Hasina’s rule returned to the contest in large numbers. Voters lined up at polling stations across Dhaka and other regions, while key leaders warned of threats and alleged “conspiracies” aimed at derailing the vote.
The Election Commission said turnout reached 32.88% by noon at about three-fourths of the country’s 42,651 polling centres. With around 128 million eligible voters, authorities deployed more than 300,000 soldiers and police nationwide. Meanwhile, UN experts warned of growing intolerance, threats, and a surge of disinformation targeting young first-time voters.
Many voters described the election as their first meaningful chance in years. One Dhaka resident said he last voted in 2008 and now felt hopeful because he could vote freely after 17 years. A 21-year-old student called it her first vote and said she wanted something positive after years of turmoil.
Yunus-era reforms, referendum, and a tight race shape the election day
Leading prime ministerial hopeful Tarique Rahman said he remained confident the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) would regain power. However, he faces strong competition from a coalition led by Jamaat-i-Islami, whose leader Shafiqur Rahman ran an organised grassroots campaign and promised to ensure a fair outcome.
Opinion polls varied widely but generally placed the BNP ahead, with some predicting a tight finish. During the campaign, clashes killed five people and injured more than 600, according to police records.
Interim leader Muhammad Yunus said the election would determine the country’s future direction. Yunus took charge after Hasina’s ouster in August 2024 and barred her Awami League from contesting. Hasina, sentenced to death in absentia, remains in India.
Alongside voting for 300 lawmakers, citizens also participated in a referendum on political reforms, including term limits and stronger judicial independence. Counting begins after polls close, with early results expected overnight.
