Sun Feb 08 05:34:01 UTC 2026: ### Headline: Bangladesh Gears Up for Landmark Elections Following Ouster of Sheikh Hasina

The Story:

Bangladesh is preparing for its first general election since the dramatic ousting of longtime Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in 2024. Hasina’s removal followed widespread student-led protests and a severe government crackdown. The election, scheduled for February 12, involves over 127 million eligible voters, including approximately 15 million Bangladeshi expatriates voting by post for the first time. Amidst concerns about potential unrest, the political landscape has shifted significantly, with Hasina facing criminal trials and a death sentence in absentia, leading to her exile in India.

The upcoming elections are overseen by a caretaker government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, marking a pivotal moment in Bangladesh’s democratic trajectory, historically characterized by political strife, boycotts, and allegations of electoral manipulation. The Awami League, formerly the dominant party, is banned, leaving the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami as the leading contenders in the parliamentary race for 350 seats.

Key Points:

  • Bangladesh will hold elections on February 12, the first since Sheikh Hasina’s ouster in 2024.
  • Over 127 million voters are eligible, including 15 million expatriates voting by post.
  • The elections are being held under a caretaker government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus.
  • Sheikh Hasina faces a death sentence in absentia and is exiled in India.
  • The Awami League is banned, and the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami are the main contenders.

Key Takeaways:

  • Bangladesh is undergoing a significant political transition after the ouster of its long-serving prime minister, Sheikh Hasina.
  • The upcoming elections represent a critical test for the country’s democratic institutions.
  • The absence of the Awami League and the ongoing criminal trials against Hasina have fundamentally reshaped the political landscape.
  • The role of the caretaker government and the participation of expatriate voters add unique dimensions to this election.
  • The student protests that ousted Hasina indicate a growing frustration with long standing political practices.

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