Summary
Campaigning has started in Bangladesh for its national elections set for February 12, 2026. The vote comes after the former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was ousted in 2024. Interim leader Muhammad Yunus aims to ensure a fair election and proposes political reforms to prevent authoritarianism.
Key Facts
- Bangladesh is preparing for its first elections since the 2024 uprising that removed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
- The elections are scheduled for February 12, 2026.
- Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus leads the interim government and aims to hold a fair election.
- About 170 million people in Bangladesh will elect 350 lawmakers.
- Proposed reforms include more power to the presidency, term limits, and measures against corruption.
- A referendum on these reforms will coincide with the elections.
- Sheikh Hasina was sentenced to death for crimes during the 2024 protests and is hiding in India.
- Tarique Rahman, leading the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, has returned from exile and is campaigning for the election.
