Bangladesh to Hold 2026 Elections, Detailed Analysis Available Online

Bangladesh to Hold General Election on February 12

A total of 127 million eligible voters are expected to cast their ballots in Bangladesh’s upcoming general election, set for February 12. This marks the first major electoral event since Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was ousted from office by a student-led movement in August 2024.

Sheikh Hasina, daughter of former independence leader Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, ruled Bangladesh between 1996 and 2001 and again from 2009 until her departure from office. An interim administration led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus has since governed the country.

The 2026 elections are significant, as they will be among the most consequential in Bangladesh’s 55-year history. With a population of over 173 million citizens, Bangladesh is the eighth most populous country globally. The country’s economy has been one of the fastest-growing in the world over the past 25 years, with a gross domestic product (GDP) of $461 billion.

Demographically, Bangladesh is predominantly Muslim, with over 90% of the population following Islam. Approximately 8% of the population practices Hinduism, while the rest follow other faiths. The country’s per capita income stands at $1,990.

According to the Bangladesh Bank, GDP expanded by 3.97% in the fiscal year ending June 2025, easing from a 4.22% rise in the previous year. Bangladesh has one of the world’s youngest populations, with a significant portion under the age of 30.

In terms of demographics, approximately 56 million citizens are between the ages of 18 and 37, while nearly 5 million are first-time voters. The country is densely populated, with 1,366 people per square kilometer (3,538 people per square mile).

Bangladesh is a parliamentary republic, where executive power is exercised by an elected government consisting of the prime minister and cabinet. The president serves as the ceremonial head of state and is indirectly elected by the parliament for a five-year term.

In this election cycle, 59 registered political parties are participating, excluding the Awami League, which has had its registration suspended. A total of 1,981 candidates will be contesting in the polls, including 249 independent candidates. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami are among the major parties participating in the elections.

Source: Al Jazeera