Bangladesh votes on constitution that aims to promote national dignity

February 11, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Bangladesh votes on constitution that aims to promote national dignity

Bangladesh to Hold First Election Since 2018 Protests

The country of Bangladesh is set to hold its first election since widespread protests in 2018, which led to the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from power.

Sheikh Hasina has been a dominant figure in Bangladeshi politics for over two decades and her departure from office has created an opportunity for a new leader to take the reins. The upcoming election will be the first since 2018, when protests led by Hasina’s party, Awami League, resulted in her removal as prime minister.

According to reports, the 2018 protests were sparked by allegations of corruption and mismanagement within the government. The protests eventually led to a change in leadership, with Khaleda Zia, the wife of former military dictator Ziaur Rahman, being elected as prime minister.

The upcoming election is expected to be closely watched by international observers, who will be monitoring the country’s democratic processes. The election is scheduled to take place on January 15, and all major parties have announced their candidates for the polls.

In a statement, the Election Commission of Bangladesh confirmed that the election would be held as scheduled, despite concerns raised by some opposition parties about the fairness of the process. The commission assured voters that all necessary arrangements had been made to ensure a smooth and peaceful conduct of the elections.

The country’s political landscape is expected to remain fluid in the coming weeks, with many predicting a close contest between the ruling party and its main opponents.

Source: Al Jazeera