The MTA Speaks| Prayer times| Weather Update| Gold Price
Follow Us: Facebook Instagram YouTube twitter

Bangladesh Votes Amid Historic Political Shake-Up

Bangladesh Votes Amid Historic Political Shake-Up

Post by : Bianca Haleem

Dhaka, Bangladesh – Bangladesh held its first national election since the deadly 2024 uprising, as the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and an Islamist-led coalition compete for power in a historic political contest.

Queues formed outside polling stations in Dhaka as voters, including millions of young first-timers, turned out amid fears of conspiracies and threats. “This was my first vote,” said 21-year-old student Shithi Goswami. “I hope for something positive after the last few years.”

Over 300,000 police and soldiers were deployed across the country to ensure security. UN experts had warned of growing intolerance, threats, attacks, and disinformation targeting voters.

BNP leader Tarique Rahman, 60, who hopes to restore his party to power, urged citizens to vote confidently. He faces a strong challenge from Jamaat-e-Islami, an Islamist party campaigning on justice and anti-corruption, which could form the country’s first Islamist-led government if successful.

Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin reported that voting was proceeding smoothly but warned of a surge of misinformation, including AI-generated content, particularly from abroad.

Interim leader and Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, 85, said the vote would shape Bangladesh’s democracy and the future of the next generation. Yunus has implemented reforms to prevent a return to one-party rule and barred former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League from contesting. Hasina, sentenced to death in absentia for crimes against humanity, remains in hiding in India.

In addition to electing 300 lawmakers directly and 50 women via party lists, voters are deciding a referendum on prime-ministerial term limits, a new upper house, stronger presidential powers, and greater judicial independence.

Rahman said his priority, if elected, would be restoring security and stability, but acknowledged the country faces significant economic challenges. Bangladesh, the world’s second-largest garment exporter, also has delicate ties with neighboring India.

Hand counting of votes will begin after polls close at 4:30 pm local time, with results expected to trickle in over the following hours.

Feb. 12, 2026 1:19 p.m. 262
Global News World News

More Trending News

Featured Stories

Khalidiyah Park Reopens with Modern Facilities and Cooled Walkway
March 16, 2026 6:02 p.m.
Khalidiyah Park reopens after major redevelopment, featuring a cooled walkway, sports areas, kids’ zones, amphitheatre, and eco-friendly design for all visitors
Read More
HRE Donates AED100M to Mother of Nation Orphans Campaign
March 16, 2026 6 p.m.
HRE Real Estate Development contributes AED100M to support the Mother of the Nation Endowment for Orphans, boosting education and healthcare for orphans
Read More
Abu Dhabi Trains 39,000 in Food Safety in 2025 Milestone
March 16, 2026 5:54 p.m.
ADAFSA’s Essential Food Safety Training saw 39,000 trainees in 2025, reaching 300,000 since 2008, boosting workforce skills and food safety standards
Read More
Bahrain Shoots Down 129 Missiles, 215 Drones Amid Iran Attacks
March 16, 2026 5:25 p.m.
Bahrain’s Defence Force destroys 129 missiles and 215 drones targeting the kingdom, condemning Iran’s attacks as violations of international law
Read More
Wall Street Falls as Oil Hits $100 Amid Iran Conflict Surge
March 16, 2026 5:04 p.m.
Wall Street declines as Iran war pushes oil above $100. S&P, Dow, Nasdaq fall; inflation fears rise, affecting global markets and bond yields
Read More
Drone Attacks Force UAE Airports to Divert Flights
March 16, 2026 4:54 p.m.
Drone and missile attacks hit UAE airports and oil hubs. Flights diverted, fires reported, civilians killed. Gulf nations intercept multiple drones
Read More
5 Iranian Women Soccer Players Withdraw Asylum, Rejoin Team
March 16, 2026 4:46 p.m.
Five Iranian women footballers withdrew their asylum claims in Australia and are rejoining the team in Malaysia, leaving two players still in Australia
Read More
Oil Above $100 as Iran War Disrupts Hormuz, Markets Mixed
March 16, 2026 3:02 p.m.
Oil prices stay above $100 as the Iran war disrupts the Strait of Hormuz. Global stocks remain mixed while rising energy prices increase inflation fears
Read More
UAE President, Iraq PM discuss tensions, consulate attack
March 16, 2026 11:19 a.m.
UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Iraq PM Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani discussed regional tensions and condemned the attack on the UAE Consulate in Iraq
Read More
Sponsored
Trending News