What is the news?
General elections are to be held in Bangladesh tomorrow i.e. on 12th February. The country is going to get a new Prime Minister after 35 years, as former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has left Bangladesh and Khaleda Zia has passed away. These two leaders were at the center of power in Bangladesh for the last 35 years. Due to recent tensions in relations and the rise of fundamentalist group, India will also keep an eye on these elections.
parties
There is competition between whom?
The direct contest in the elections is between the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) led by Khaleda Zia’s son Tariq Rahman and the alliance led by Jamaat-e-Islami. Nationalist Citizen Party (NCP), a party of youth activists, has formed an alliance with Jamaat. Sheikh Hasina’s party Awami League is banned from contesting elections. This decision has been taken due to the party’s role in the violence that took place during the student movement in 2024.
Who is next?
In December last year, a survey by America’s International Republican Institute had revealed that BNP has the support of 33 percent voters. At the same time, Jamaat is preferred by 29 percent voters with a slight margin.
How are elections held in Bangladesh?
There is only one Parliament in Bangladesh, which has a total of 350 seats. Of these, 50 are reserved for women and elections are held every 5 years for the remaining 300 seats. Like India, the candidate with the most votes wins. Then the party or coalition that gets the majority chooses its leader, who becomes the Prime Minister. In Bangladesh everyone above 18 years of age can vote.
12.77 crore voters will take part in the elections
According to the data till October 31, 2025, there are 12.77 crore registered voters in Bangladesh. These also include voters registered for voting through postal ballot. This is the first time that the facility of voting by post is being provided. To form the government it is necessary to win 151 seats. This time the counting of votes may take more time, because voting is also to be held for the referendum on the National Charter in July, 2025.
How important are elections for Bangladesh?
The elections are being considered crucial for Bangladesh amid Hasina’s exile, voting on referendum, ban on Awami League and the rise of Jamaat.
Al Jazeera Speaking to Bangladesh Independent University, Professor Tahmid Rezwan said, “Whatever the outcome, it will have a profound impact on the political trajectory of Bangladesh. The outcome of the referendum will be an important indicator of whether the political spirit of the student rebellion is still strong or is weakening.”
Awami League
What is the significance of Hasina’s absence in the elections?
Hasina’s absence in the elections is a matter of concern for India. Hasina has always been pro-India and during her tenure, relations with India in security, trade and other areas remained very close. In Hasina’s absence, India has tried to diversify its political ties with Bangladesh. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had sent a condolence message on the death of Khaleda Zia. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had attended Zia’s funeral.
Why will India keep its eyes on the elections?
Anti-India statements of Jamaat leaders and their closeness to Pakistan. The formation of a new government in Bangladesh may increase militancy in the Northeast. Bangladesh shares its border with 5 states of the North-East. India is concerned about the Siliguri Corridor and the statements of Bangladeshi leaders regarding it. This narrow corridor connects mainland India to the Northeast. Bangladesh is moving away from India and growing closer to China and Pakistan.
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