Bangladesh’s Big Vote: A Fresh Start for the Nation

After weeks of protests that forced long‑time leader Sheikh Hasina to flee, Bangladesh went to the polls for its first election in years. The day was largely calm, giving voters a chance to test the country’s democratic promise after a period of political unrest.

Voter Turnout and Counting

Turnout: Around 47 % of eligible voters had already cast ballots by two in the afternoon.
Counting: Began right after polls closed at 4:30 p.m., with officials in Dhaka manually tallying black‑and‑white paper tickets while party observers watched closely.

Electorate

Total eligible voters: More than 127 million citizens, including a record 5 million first‑time participants who helped spark the 2024 uprising.

Key Candidates

Candidate	Party	Background
Tarique Rahman	Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)	Son of former prime minister Khaleda Zia; promised to restore democratic institutions, strengthen rule of law, and revive the economy. Returned from 17 years abroad after his party was banned during Hasina’s rule.
Jamaat‑e‑Islami coalition	Islamist group	Largest Islamist group that gained traction after Hasina was ousted. Their rise worries many, especially women and minority communities, about possible restrictions on social freedoms in a nation that is over 90 % Muslim.

Statements from Leaders

Muhammad Yunus (interim leader, Nobel laureate) welcomed the election as a day of national joy and called it “the birthday of a new Bangladesh.” He emphasized that the vote offers a chance for true freedom of choice.

International Observation

Observers from the European Union and Commonwealth will monitor the process to ensure fairness.

Parliamentary Structure

Seats: 350 total – 300 directly elected, 50 reserved for women.
Term: Five years.

Constitutional Referendum

Beyond choosing representatives, voters face a referendum on constitutional reforms that could reshape the political system:

Proposed changes: Creation of new bodies, shift to a bicameral legislature.
Drafted by: Major parties last year; some factions, including Hasina’s Awami League, were excluded.

Critics argue the referendum limits voters’ options.
Supporters say it is essential for progress.

The outcome will determine whether Bangladesh can move forward with a more inclusive and transparent governance structure.