Millions cast ballots in Bangladesh’s historic 2026 election after the 2024 uprising removed Sheikh Hasina, with BNP and a Jamaat-led alliance leading the race.

Dhaka: Millions of people in Bangladesh are casting their votes today in the country’s 13th parliamentary election. This marks the first national election since the 2024 student-led uprising removed former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from power after 15 years. Authorities have deployed tight security across the country, and some areas have reported scattered incidents of violence. The results of this election could reshape Bangladesh’s political future.

Background: From Protests to Elections

Months of political unrest led to this election. In July and August 2024, Gen Z students led large protests and forced Sheikh Hasina to leave the country. Many critics had widely described her government as increasingly autocratic.

Authorities have banned the Awami League, the country’s oldest political party and Sheikh Hasina’s party, from participating in this election. This decision has created a major gap in the political field.

Leaders formed an interim government under updated constitutional rules to ensure a fair election. Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus is leading the government. Many observers have described this election as a “critical test of democracy.”

Along with voting for Parliament, citizens are also voting in a referendum on the July National Charter. This is an 84-point reform plan that proposes changes to the Constitution, election system, and major institutions.

More than 127 million people are eligible to vote, including nearly 5 million first-time voters. According to official data, the total number of registered voters is 127,711,793. Voters are choosing representatives for 299 parliamentary seats from 1,981 candidates.

Polling started at 7:30 AM Bangladesh Standard Time (BST) and will end at 4:30 PM. Voters are using white ballots for parliamentary seats and pink ballots for the referendum.

Main Contest: BNP vs Jamaat-Led Alliance

With the Awami League out of the race, the main competition is between two alliances that were once political allies.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is leading one alliance. It is headed by Tarique Rahman, the son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. Opinion polls suggest the BNP may have an advantage. Rahman has presented himself as a leader who wants change and better law and order.

On the other side is an 11-party alliance led by Jamaat-e-Islami chief Shafiqur Rahman. This coalition includes the National Citizens Party (NCP), which was formed by activists involved in the 2024 protests. Jamaat-e-Islami, an Islamist party, has said it does not support religious division.

Many believe this election is very important for the country’s future stability and economic growth.

Voting Situation: Calm in Many Areas, Lower Turnout in Some

Reports from many polling stations say voting has been peaceful. In some areas, including upscale parts of Dhaka like Gulshan, long queues of voters were seen. However, turnout appears lower in areas that were strongholds of the Awami League. Analysts say this may reflect disappointment among some voters.

Security is very strict. The military has been deployed, and the Election Commission of Bangladesh (ECB) has banned mobile phones inside voting booths.

Interim government head Muhammad Yunus voted in Gulshan and called the day the “birthday of new Bangladesh,” highlighting its importance.

Tarique Rahman also cast his vote and asked people to “prevent conspiracies,” expressing confidence about the result.

Shafiqur Rahman voted as well and repeated his party’s stand against religious division.

Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam voted in Baridhara and praised the peaceful atmosphere and the role of media in ensuring transparency.

Violence and Allegations

Although the overall situation has been calm, some violent incidents have occurred. Supporters of the BNP and Jamaat clashed in Dhaka and Khulna. A BNP leader died during one of these clashes.

In Gopalganj, unknown persons threw crude bombs at a polling station, injuring three people, including two security personnel and a child. A similar incident took place in Munshiganj.

There have also been allegations of vote-rigging in some places, but officials say there have been no major disruptions to the election process.

The Referendum on Reforms

At the same time as the parliamentary vote, citizens are voting on the July National Charter. This reform plan aims to make institutions more neutral and strengthen democracy. The referendum is seen as an important step in the country’s transition after the 2024 uprising.

When Results Will Be Announced

Vote counting will begin immediately after polling ends at 4:30 PM BST. Early trends are expected around midnight. Final results are likely to be announced by Friday morning.

The Election Commission will publish the official results in the Official Gazette after reviewing any complaints. Real-time updates and geographical tracking are available through official election platforms.

This election marks a major turning point for Bangladesh. After the dramatic events of 2024, voters are hoping for stability and a fresh political direction.