Bangladeshis queued outside polling stations across the country on Thursday as voting began in what many describe as a defining election for the South Asian nation — its first since the 2024 ouster of long-time prime minister Sheikh Hasina in a youth-led uprising.
The vote is widely seen as a critical step in restoring democratic stability in the country of 175 million. Months of deadly anti-Hasina protests, driven largely by Generation Z activists, plunged the nation into turmoil and disrupted key sectors, including the garment industry — the world’s second-largest exporter of apparel.
It is the first national election anywhere to follow a Gen Z-led revolution, with Nepal expected to hold a similar post-uprising vote next month.
The main contest pits two coalitions led by former allies: the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami. Opinion polls suggest the BNP holds a slight edge.
In the capital Dhaka, voters began lining up before polls opened at 7:30am local time. Among them was 39-year-old Mohammed Jobair Hossain, who said he had not voted since 2008.
“I am feeling excited because we are voting freely after 17 years,” he said. “This time, our votes will truly matter.”
Hasina’s Awami League has been banned, and the former premier remains in self-imposed exile in India, her long-time ally. Her absence has further strained Dhaka’s ties with New Delhi and created room for China to expand its influence in the country.
Unlike previous elections marked by opposition boycotts and allegations of intimidation, this contest features more than 2,000 candidates — including many independents — competing for 300 seats in the Jatiya Sangsad, or national parliament. Voting in one constituency has been postponed following the death of a candidate. In total, at least 50 parties are in the race, a record number.
“This election is not just another routine vote,” said Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, who heads the interim government formed after Hasina’s removal. “The public awakening we witnessed — born of anger, inequality and injustice — now finds its constitutional expression.”
Alongside the general election, voters are participating in a referendum on sweeping constitutional reforms. Proposals include creating a neutral caretaker government during election periods, establishing a bicameral parliament, increasing women’s representation, strengthening judicial independence and limiting the prime minister to two terms.
Despite the high stakes and a crowded field, the campaign period remained largely peaceful, with only minor incidents reported.
Thomas Kean, a senior consultant with the International Crisis Group, said the key challenge now is ensuring the vote is conducted fairly and that all parties accept the outcome. “If that happens, it will be the strongest evidence yet that Bangladesh has truly embarked on a path of democratic renewal,” he said.
More than 100,000 members of the armed forces have been deployed to support nearly 200,000 police officers in maintaining security on election day.
Polling began at 7:30am and will close at 4:30pm, with counting to start shortly afterward. Early trends are expected around midnight, and final results could be clear by Friday morning, according to election officials.
Nearly 128 million people are registered to vote, 49 per cent of them women. However, only 83 female candidates are contesting.
Corruption and rising inflation rank among voters’ top concerns, according to recent surveys.
The leading candidates for prime minister are BNP’s Tarique Rahman and Jamaat chief Shafiqur Rahman — who are not related.
For some, participating in the election poses practical or emotional dilemmas. Rickshaw puller Chan Mia said he could not afford to travel to his village to vote and lose a day’s wages. Gatekeeper Mohammad Sabuj expressed frustration that Hasina’s party has been barred from contesting.
Yet many remain determined to cast their ballots.
“During Hasina’s time, we couldn’t vote,” said Shakil Ahmed, a driver waiting in line. “It’s my right. This time, I won’t miss it.”