As Bangladesh approaches a pivotal moment in its political landscape, the upcoming national elections on February 12 are poised to redefine the nation’s democratic trajectory. This election is especially significant as it marks the first since the political upheaval that saw the ousting of long-time Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. With a caretaker government led by noted humanitarian Muhammad Yunus at the helm, the nation stands at a crossroads, facing both the promise of reform and the challenges of misinformation.
Campaigning is now in full swing in Bangladesh as the country gears up for national elections set for February 12, marking a critical juncture for democracy in the South Asian nation. This election serves as the first since the significant political upheaval in 2024, which saw the removal of long-time Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, and has triggered widespread political mobilization across the country.
Political rallies were held vehemently in the capital, Dhaka, by major political parties on Thursday as they vie for the attention of the electorate. The interim government, led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus, has committed itself to conducting free and fair elections, which are being referred to as potentially the most consequential in Bangladesh’s history. This democratic exercise will enable the selection of 350 lawmakers and a referendum on proposed political reforms that could help rejuvenate the country’s political landscape.
Yunus, revered for his efforts in alleviating poverty through the Grameen Bank, returned from exile in August 2024 amidst protests calling for his leadership to stabilize the country. As “chief adviser” for the caretaker government, he is expected to serve only until after the elections, after which he has vowed to step down. His interim administration has put forth a reform charter, a necessity in light of the alleged authoritarian tendencies of the previous regime. This charter, known as the July National Charter, was created in response to the events of the 2024 uprising and includes provisions aimed at strengthening presidential authority and implementing term limits for legislators, as well as measures to combat corruption and conflicts of interest.
While it has garnered the support of 25 of the 52 registered political parties, advocates argue that a referendum is essential to ensure its legal binding as part of the constitution. Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who has been charged in absentia with crimes against humanity, has fled to India in the wake of the protests calling for her resignation.
As the election approaches, political entities have ramped up their efforts to engage voters amidst a backdrop of disinformation. The Awami League party, formerly under Hasina’s leadership, has been prohibited from participating in the elections after the suspension of its registration by the Election Commission in May. In contrast, Tarique Rahman, head of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, emerged as a prominent figure in the race after returning from a 17-year self-imposed exile. His campaign, which kicked off in Sylhet, has seen robust support from the public, reflecting a thirst for hopeful change.
Another group, the Jamaat-e-Islami party, is also poised for a resurgence, aspiring to break through the political barriers built during Hasina’s tenure. This conservative party has faced harsh criticism from secular groups but is now presenting itself as a potent alternative in the evolving political landscape, with supporters rallying around its clean image and commitment to national interests.
As the political climate heats up ahead of the vote, Yunus has expressed his concerns regarding the spread of disinformation, attributing the surge of fake news and rumors to both foreign media and local sources. He emphasized the need for integrity in information dissemination as the nation marches towards an election that many observers are deeming as the “biggest democratic process of 2026.” With the stakes high and the future of democracy in Bangladesh uncertain, the upcoming election promises to be a defining moment, setting the stage for a potential shift towards greater transparency and accountability in governance.
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