Bangladesh Elections: Who will be crowned in Dhaka, a new test of democracy tomorrow amid violence; Every voter will cast 2 votes

Bangladesh Election 2026: Bangladesh stands at the most important turning point in its history tomorrow i.e. on 12th February. The country will vote tomorrow to elect its new leadership, following the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government in August 2024 and months of violence. Along with the 13th parliamentary elections, a referendum is also being held on an 84-point reform package.

two votes together for the first time

The most special and different thing about this election is that for the first time voters will have to cast two different votes simultaneously.

• On white ballot paper they will choose their representative for the parliamentary elections.
• On the pink ballot paper they will give their opinion on the proposal (referendum) related to constitutional reforms, where they will get ‘Yes’ or ‘no’ One option has to be chosen.

Unprecedented security blanket

The biggest security arrangements in the electoral history of Bangladesh have been made to conduct the elections peacefully. About 10 lakh security personnel have been deployed. For the first time, drones and 25,000 body-worn cameras are being used for election monitoring. Of the total 43,000 polling centres, 24,000 have been rated ‘high’ or ‘Moderate’ Has been declared at risk.

Main contenders and electoral mathematics

This is the first time in almost many decades that Sheikh Hasina is not in the election field. She is not contesting the elections this time due to the ban on her party Awami League by the interim government.

BNP

Bangladesh Nationalist Party has made Tariq Rahman, son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, the prime ministerial face. The party has fielded the maximum number of 291 candidates, which clearly reflects its strong claim.

Jamaat-e-Islami alliance

This alliance led by Jamaat-e-Islami has the support of 11 parties. According to political analysts, this alliance is emerging as a tough challenge for BNP and can make the contest interesting.

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Concern about minorities and the shadow of violence

Bangladesh has seen massive violence over the past 18 months, with more than 1,400 deaths. According to minority organizations, 61 Hindus were killed and more than 2,000 attacked in communal violence from August 2024 to 2025. In view of the possibility of violence during the elections, Hindu organizations have also formed a monitoring cell.