Bangladesh Election 2026: bangladesh Voting for the general elections is taking place on 12 February 2026. This is not just a regular election, but is being considered as a very decisive turning point in the political history of the country. In the absence of Awami League, the fight for power now seems to be directly between Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami.
The changed political equations after the overthrow of Sheikh Hasina on August 5, 2024 have made this election even more important. After the electoral ban on Awami League, BNP has emerged as the largest and dominant political force. In such a situation, the general elections of 2026 may prove to decide the new power structure of Bangladesh.
How was the history of BNP?
Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is one of the old and influential parties of the country. It was established on 1 September 1978 by the then President Ziaur Rahman. The BNP first gained power in 1991, when Khaleda Zia became Prime Minister. After this, he formed the government for the second time in 2001. At that time, Jamaat-e-Islami was also included in his government. However, after 2006, BNP could not return to power again. Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League won consecutively in the general elections of 2009, 2014, 2018 and 2024. In 2014, BNP had alleged election rigging, while the party had boycotted the 2024 general elections.
How did the political picture change?
There was a big change in the politics of the country after the removal of Sheikh Hasina from power on 5 August 2024. Awami League was banned from contesting elections and BNP was not seen as the main opposition but as a potential ruling party. Before the coup, Khaleda Zia was in jail and her son Tariq Rehman was living a life of exile in London. After Sheikh Hasina left the country, Khaleda Zia was released and Tariq Rehman also returned to Dhaka after a long gap. However, Khaleda Zia died a few days after the announcement of elections, which also created an emotional atmosphere for BNP.
Will Tariq Rehman be able to capture the pulse of the public?
Tariq Rahman took command of the party as soon as he reached Dhaka and gave impetus to the election campaign. He is contesting from two seats and is also BNP’s prime ministerial candidate. The party is contesting 292 seats out of 300, while 8 seats have been given to allies. The biggest question before him is that after staying away from the country for 17-18 years, will he be able to truly understand the hopes and aspirations of the people of Bangladesh?
What slogan did Tariq Rehman give?
Tariq Rehman has given the slogan of “Bangladesh Before All” in this election. He has released a detailed election manifesto and also announced many free schemes. International delegations and diplomats also met him during the election campaign.
What is the challenge before BNP?
The main challenge before the BNP is from the alliance led by Jamaat-e-Islami. The special thing is that this alliance also has the support of the new youth party NCP. In such a situation, the competition is at two levels. On one hand, young voters can lean towards NCP, while on the other hand, supporters of Islamic rule can go with Jamaat-e-Islami.
How many voters and what is the majority figure?
A total of 12,77,11,793 voters are registered in Bangladesh as of 31 October 2025. This time, for the first time, the facility of postal voting has been provided, due to which about 1.5 crore migrant workers will get the opportunity to participate in voting. Direct voting takes place on 300 seats of the National Parliament. Apart from this, 50 seats are reserved for women, which are distributed among the parties on the basis of election results. The figure of 151 seats is necessary for majority.
Will the politics of Bangladesh change?
This general election of 2026 is being considered as not just a change of power, but an election that will decide the political direction of Bangladesh. Absence of Awami League, BNP’s comeback attempt, Jamaat-e-Islami’s challenge and new youth equations. Amidst all this, this election can write a new script for the democratic future of the country. Now all eyes are on the results whether Tariq Rahman will be able to win the trust of the public or the politics of Bangladesh will take a new turn.
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