Bangladesh officially kicked off its general election campaign on January 22, 2026, marking a historic moment as the country prepares for the first elections following the 2024 ouster of Sheikh Hasina. This election, scheduled for February 12, is poised to be one of the largest democratic exercises in South Asia this year, with nearly 2,000 candidates contesting 300 parliamentary seats.

The campaign began after the allocation of election symbols and finalisation of candidates, signalling the start of full-scale political activity ahead of the vote. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) launched its campaign from Sylhet, with party chairman Tarique Rahman attending rallies across seven districts. Rahman, 60, returned to Bangladesh in December 2025 after 17 years in exile, formally assuming leadership of the BNP following the death of his mother, former prime minister Khaleda Zia.

Meanwhile, the Jamaat-e-Islami party started its campaign from the Dhaka-15 constituency, led by its Ameer Shafiqur Rahman, touring northern districts. Other parties, including the Jatiya Party, the Islamic Andolan Bangladesh Party, and the National Citizens Party (NCP), also announced sizeable lists of candidates, further intensifying the multi-party race. Independent candidates number 249, adding more competition to the polls.

Bangladesh, home to over 170 million people, will vote for 350 lawmakers, including through a concurrent referendum on political reforms championed by Muhammad Yunus, the 85-year-old Nobel laureate who returned from exile in 2024 to lead the caretaker government. Yunus has emphasized the importance of reforms to prevent a return to autocratic rule, calling for voters to cast a “yes” vote in the referendum to enable the creation of a “new Bangladesh.”

Election preparations are being conducted at a massive scale. The Election Commission (EC) began training over 800,000 presiding and assistant presiding officers on January 22, continuing until February 7, to ensure a smooth election process. Campaigning will continue until 7:30 AM on February 10, with voting taking place on February 12 from 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM, alongside the nationwide referendum.

Security concerns remain high following the murder of a student leader of the anti-Hasina protests in December 2025 and the ongoing warnings about a “flood” of online disinformation targeting the polls. Muhammad Yunus alerted UN rights chief Volker Turk to the potential impact of fake news and misinformation, blaming both local and foreign sources.

Bangladesh’s political landscape has shifted dramatically since Sheikh Hasina fled to India in the wake of mass protests in 2024. Hasina, 78, was sentenced to death in absentia for crimes against humanity related to the violent crackdown on protesters. India has classified Bangladesh as a “non-family” posting, advising its diplomats and dependents to return home due to rising communal tensions and threats to Indian missions. Protests outside the Indian mission in Chattogram and security incidents such as the killing of Islamist youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi in December 2025 have escalated concerns.

The BNP has fielded 288 candidates in the elections, aiming to stage a political comeback. Jamaat-e-Islami has nominated 224 candidates, the Jatiya Party 192 candidates, and Islamic Andolan 253 candidates. The NCP has also joined the race in alliance with Jamaat, fielding 32 candidates. Traditionally, Sylhet serves as a focal point for campaigns, given its historical Sufi following and the centuries-old shrine of Shah Jalal.

The elections represent not only a pivotal moment for Bangladesh’s domestic politics but also for regional power dynamics in South Asia. European Union election observers have described the vote as potentially the “biggest democratic process of 2026”, highlighting the international significance of these elections.

As campaigning intensifies, the caretaker government led by Muhammad Yunus will step down after the polls, handing over power to a newly elected parliament. Yunus has stressed the need for political reforms to prevent authoritarian backsliding and encouraged participation in the referendum to legitimize systemic changes.

In summary, Bangladesh’s February 12 elections mark a new chapter in the country’s political history. With nearly 2,000 candidates, a concurrent referendum, and heightened security and misinformation challenges, the elections are a litmus test for democratic governance, political stability, and civic participation in the post-Hasina era. The BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, Jatiya Party, and other parties will compete vigorously, while international observers, citizens, and regional powers closely monitor developments.

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