Dhaka, Dec 12: Bangladesh will hold a parliamentary election on February 12, the Election Commission announced on Thursday, marking the country’s first national vote since last year’s student-led uprising that ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin, in a televised address, said the polls would be held alongside a national referendum on political reforms, a vote that will decide whether the proposed “July Charter” becomes the foundation for restructuring key state institutions.
“A national referendum on political reforms will also be held on the same day,” Uddin said.
Reform Blueprint on the Table
The July Charter, drafted immediately after Hasina’s removal, proposes sweeping changes including reducing executive authority, enhancing judicial independence, strengthening the Election Commission, and preventing the misuse of law-enforcement agencies.
Interim leader Muhammad Yunus described the announcement as a democratic milestone.
“Bangladesh’s democratic journey has crossed an important milestone, strengthening the new path the nation has taken after the historic mass uprising,” he said.
Political Unrest Continues
Despite the schedule being set, the transition remains turbulent. The caretaker administration has faced renewed street demonstrations over delays in promised reforms.
“Rising discontent over delays in political and institutional reforms has fueled fresh protests,” officials acknowledged.
The political climate intensified further after President Mohammed Shahabuddin said he would resign once the vote concludes.
“I am keen to leave. I am interested to go out,” he said, adding he felt “humiliated by the Yunus government.”
Former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia’s Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is widely viewed as the frontrunner. Jamaat-e-Islami, barred from elections for over a decade, returns to electoral politics after restrictions were eased.
A new entrant, the National Citizen Party, formed by student leaders of the 2024 uprising, has struggled to build a nationwide base.
“The National Citizen Party… is struggling to convert street mobilisation into a nationwide electoral base,” analysts said.
Hasina’s Awami League, still barred from contesting, has warned of unrest if the ban is not lifted.
What Voters Want
Restoring democratic rule, reviving the crucial garment-export industry, tackling corruption, ensuring media freedom, and repairing strained ties with India — damaged after Hasina fled to Indian territory — are seen as major voter priorities.
Vast Election Scale
Election officials say nearly 128 million voters will cast ballots across more than 42,000 polling stations for 300 parliamentary seats.
