Bangladesh’s First General Election Post-Hasina’s Ouster
On Thursday, Bangladesh held its first general election since Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was forcibly removed during a violent uprising back in August 2024. This election is seen by Hasina’s supporters as deeply flawed, mainly because her party was banned and she was sentenced to death in absentia.
Hasina’s removal was part of what many are calling a “Gen Z rebellion.” This movement, primarily driven by young people and students protesting against government corruption, gained considerable traction. Unlike protests in other regions, the intensity in Bangladesh reached alarming levels, notably because of the backlash against a government job quota system favoring the descendants of freedom fighters from the 1970s independence war. Hasina’s response was fierce, resulting in over 1,400 deaths during the crackdown before she fled to India.
Although the Awami League has been one of the largest political forces in Bangladesh, the party faced significant changes post-ousting. It was re-established in May 2025, but the shadow of Hasina’s actions—particularly her absentia death sentence for crimes against humanity related to the protest response—cast a pall over the election. Many of her backers now see this electoral process as inherently unfair, a sentiment Hasina has vocalized herself.
The chaos has paved the way for the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its leader, Tariq Rahman. Revelations about his lineage—he’s the son of a former prime minister—have come into play, especially after his recent return from exile in Britain. Rahman’s significant opponent is Shafiqur Rahman from Jamaat-e-Islami, a party that regained influence after Hasina’s downfall. However, the 127 million voters in Bangladesh are, it seems, wary of Jamaat-e-Islami’s hardline views and seem more inclined toward Rahman’s reform agenda.
Early reports on Thursday morning indicated a remarkably tight race. Many former Awami League supporters found themselves at a crossroads—should they rally behind the BNP or abstain from voting altogether as a statement? Early indications suggested the BNP was leading, but with many votes yet to be counted. Interestingly, turnout was reportedly higher than the total votes from the entire 2024 election by noon on Thursday.
This election also featured several key referendums, including one regarding the addition of a second chamber to the existing 350-member National Assembly.
According to various reports, voters expressed a feeling of participating in what they believe to be the first genuinely free elections in nearly two decades. The electoral atmosphere was largely devoid of influence from Hasina and the Awami League. Interim President Mohamed Yunus, a Nobel laureate, assured that police would be deployed to ensure safe polling stations and fairness in the elections.
Despite some isolated incidents—including an unexpected cancellation of voting in one area due to a candidate’s death and a violent scuffle resulting in a BNP leader’s death—there seemed to be little organized intimidation or violence overall. However, several people were injured in explosions outside one polling station.
Regardless of the election outcome, it appears that India might face diplomatic challenges because of its longstanding ties with Hasina and her party. In contrast, both China and Pakistan seem poised to increase their influence in Bangladesh, and Chinese officials have begun discussions on new infrastructure projects worth billions.
