Bangladesh votes first election after deadly 2024 uprising

DHAKA: (Web Desk) – Bangladeshis went to the polls Thursday in the country’s first election since the deadly 2024 uprising, as political parties long sidelined under Sheikh Hasina’s rule returned, facing off against a powerful heir of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and an Islamist-led coalition.

In Dhaka, long queues formed outside polling stations as voting began in the highly anticipated election in this South Asian nation of 170 million people.

More than 300,000 soldiers and police were deployed across the country, amid UN warnings of “growing intolerance, threats, and attacks” and a “tsunami of disinformation,” particularly targeting millions of young first-time voters.

“I voted in 1991, and today after many years, I cast my vote here,” said Nur Alam Shamim, 50, at New Model Degree College in Dhaka-10.

First-time voter Shithi Goswami, 21, arrived early to avoid the crowds. “After everything we’ve gone through the last few years, I hope this is a moment for positive change,” she said.

BNP leader Tarique Rahman, 60, is confident his party can reclaim power but faces stiff competition from Jamaat‑e‑Islami, Bangladesh’s largest Islamist party. Jamaat chief Shafiqur Rahman, 67, has run a disciplined grassroots campaign and, if victorious, could lead the nation’s first Islamist-led government within the constitutionally secular framework.

Opinion polls offer mixed predictions, though most suggest the BNP holds a slight lead, with some indicating a closely contested race.

Interim leader and Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, 85, addressed the nation before voting. “The significance of this day is far-reaching. It will determine the future direction of the country, the strength of its democracy, and the fate of the next generation,” he said. Yunus has been leading Bangladesh since Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year rule ended in August 2024 and has barred her Awami League from contesting the election.

Hasina, 78, was sentenced to death in absentia for crimes against humanity linked to the violent crackdown during her final months in office and remains in hiding in India.

Yunus has also championed a broad democratic reform agenda to overhaul a “completely broken” system and prevent a return to one-party rule.

The electorate of 127 million will also vote in a referendum on constitutional reforms, including term limits for the prime minister, a new upper house of parliament, stronger presidential powers, and increased judicial independence.

Voters are directly electing 300 lawmakers, with another 50 women selected from party lists. Counting begins after polls close at 4:30 pm (1030 GMT) and includes referendum ballots.

“The crucial test for Bangladesh is ensuring the election is fair and impartial, and for all parties to respect the outcome,” said International Crisis Group analyst Thomas Kean. Political clashes during campaigning killed five people and injured more than 600.

The incoming government will inherit a fragile economy, as Bangladesh remains the world’s second-largest garment exporter, along with delicate relations with India.

Rahman emphasized that restoring security and stability would be his top priority, adding, “The economy has been destroyed. We need to create jobs for young people.”

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Jamaat’s Rahman stressed his party’s commitment to justice and unity. “We want a country where no one gains power solely because of family background,” he said. Around 10 percent of Bangladesh’s population is non-Muslim, primarily Hindu.

Yunus urged voters to honor the 2024 uprising’s sacrifices and “put the national interest above personal or party agendas. Victory is part of democracy; defeat is also inevitable. Dedicate yourselves to building a just and inclusive Bangladesh.”

Jamaat chief Shafiqur Rahman pledged to contest any allegations of vote-rigging and encouraged all citizens to exercise their democratic rights.

The National Citizen Party (NCP), formed by student leaders of the 2024 uprising and allied with Jamaat, echoed calls for a free and fair election. “The first priority is ensuring voters can cast their ballots freely,” said NCP chief Nahid Islam.