Bangladesh is set to hold its 13th general election on Thursday, 12 February, drawing intense domestic and international attention as the country seeks to consolidate its democratic transition following the mass uprising of July 2024.

By The South Asia Times

DHAKA - Millions of Bangladeshis are preparing to vote in a pivotal general election on Thursday, with political campaigns concluding on Tuesday morning. The ballot comes after a year of significant political upheaval that saw the removal of long-time Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina amid protests, ushering in an interim government and opening the political field to a broader array of parties.

The government declared three days of public holidays beginning 10 February to facilitate voter turnout, and restrictions on public vehicle movement will be enforced on election day. Thousands of factory workers and urban residents have been returning to their home constituencies to cast ballots, causing heavy traffic along major highways connecting Dhaka and other regions.

With around 120.7 million eligible voters, a quarter are first-time electorate, many mobilized during the July-August 2024 uprising and now seeking change in political and administrative culture.

Nearly 2,000 candidates from more than 50 political parties, alongside independents, are contesting 300 parliamentary seats. The election is being held concurrently with a national referendum on proposed reforms, and about 330 international observers from countries across Asia, Africa, Europe, and the US are monitoring the process.

Jamaat-e-Islami role and position 

A significant development in this election is the rise of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, a once-banned Islamist party that has re-established itself in national politics following the interim government’s reinstatement of its registration and election symbol.

Under leader Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, the party has campaigned vigorously across the country, holding over 60 rallies in 20 days ahead of the election and promoting a platform centered on welfare, anti-corruption, economic reform, and a vision for a “New Bangladesh.”

The Jamaat ameer has called the 2026 polls among the “world’s most closely watched,” stating in a social media post that global attention will focus on whether the election is conducted freely and credibly.

He has positioned his party as a mainstream political actor ready to work with others in the national interest and has urged voters to support both the election and the referendum aimed at constitutional reform.

Jamaat is also urging a “Yes” vote in the referendum on structural reforms, portraying it as integral to solidifying the changes initiated since the uprisings.

The party’s manifesto highlights issues such as youth empowerment, economic diversification, healthcare expansion, and women’s dignity and security in public life.

Despite Jamaat’s momentum, survey data indicate the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) currently holds a commanding lead in public support, though analysts say dynamic campaign efforts by both parties could influence outcomes in key constituencies.

The 2026 election marks a critical juncture in Bangladesh’s democratic evolution, following the July 2024 uprising that toppled Hasina’s government and brought about political realignment. With the main opposition Awami League barred from participating and a reconfigured political landscape, the contest has significant implications for governance, foreign relations, and domestic policies in one of South Asia’s most populous nations.

As polling begins, both local observers and international media will closely watch voter turnout, the conduct of the vote, and the performance of emerging political forces like Jamaat-e-Islami in shaping Bangladesh’s next chapter.