Dhaka: Bangladeshi Voters Queue for Decisive Election
As polling stations opened Thursday morning in Bangladesh, queues stretched out from early hours, marking the beginning of what analysts and voters alike see as a pivotal moment in the country’s political landscape. This landmark election follows nearly two years since long-time Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was ousted by an uprising largely driven by young people under 30.
Voting began at 7:30 AM local time with reports of long lines, particularly in Dhaka and other urban centers. Election officials expect the counting to start soon after voting concludes at 4:30 PM, with early trends expected around midnight, offering a clearer picture by Friday morning. The vote marks Bangladesh’s first national election since protests in 2024 that toppled Hasina from power.
Voters like Mohammed Jobair Hossain, 39, have not cast ballots in almost a decade. “I’m excited to see our votes matter again after 17 years,” he said. “Our participation will be significant and meaningful.”
The contest pits two major coalitions: the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) led by former allies Tarique Rahman and the Islamist Jamaat-e-Islami, headed by Shafiqur Rahman, who is not related to BNP’s leader. Opinion polls suggest an edge for the BNP.
Despite a record 2,000 candidates and 50 participating parties, including independents, only about 83 women are running for parliamentary seats in this predominantly male-dominated country of 175 million people. Survey results show corruption and inflation as top concerns among voters.
Security is tight across the nation with over 100,000 armed forces members helping nearly 200,000 police personnel to ensure order during a time when previous elections were marred by boycotts and intimidation allegations. The campaign period has been largely peaceful, save for isolated incidents reported.
The election will be followed by a referendum on constitutional reforms. Proposed changes include a neutral caretaker government during electoral periods, restructuring parliament into a bicameral system, increasing women’s representation, strengthening judicial independence, and imposing two-term limits on the prime minister.
“Today’s vote is not just any routine ballot,” said Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, who heads the interim government installed after Hasina’s removal. “It represents a constitutional expression of public awakening against longstanding grievances like inequality and injustice.”
Nearly 128 million people are registered to vote, with about 49% women. While some voters have mixed feelings—some can’t afford lost wages or travel—and others feel disillusioned by missing Hasina’s party in the ballot, many are determined to participate. “We had no chance to cast votes during Hasina’s time,” said Shakil Ahmed, a driver.
The upcoming referendum on constitutional changes will coincide with the parliamentary election and aims to further stabilize Bangladesh post-election unrest and economic disruption caused by prolonged protests and political instability under Sheikh Hasina’s leadership. With regional dynamics recalibrated due to strained relations between Dhaka and New Delhi, this election could reshape future governance in South Asia.