Bangladesh’s Big Vote: A Fresh Start for the Nation

After weeks of protests that forced long‑time leader Sheikh Hasina to flee, Bangladesh went to the polls for its first election in years. The day was largely calm, giving voters a chance to test the country’s democratic promise after a period of political unrest. Around 47 % of eligible voters had already cast ballots by two in the afternoon, and counting began right after polls closed at 4:30 p. m. In Dhaka, officials manually tallied black‑and‑white paper tickets while observers from parties watched closely. More than 127 million citizens could vote, including a record 5 million first‑time participants who had helped spark the 2024 uprising. The election is seen as a turning point for Bangladesh, which has struggled with coups, party dominance and allegations of fraud since gaining independence. Tarique Rahman, the son of former prime minister Khaleda Zia and a key contender from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, promised to restore democratic institutions, strengthen rule of law and revive the economy. He returned from 17 years abroad to run for office after his party was banned during Hasina’s rule.Opposing him is an eleven‑party coalition led by Jamaat‑e‑Islami, the country’s largest Islamist group that gained traction after Hasina was ousted. Their rise worries many, especially women and minority communities, about possible restrictions on social freedoms in a nation that is over 90 % Muslim. The interim leader, Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, welcomed the election as a day of national joy and called it “the birthday of a new Bangladesh. ” He emphasized that the vote offers a chance for true freedom of choice. International observers, including groups from the European Union and Commonwealth, will monitor the process to ensure fairness. The parliament has 350 seats—300 directly elected and 50 reserved for women—and will serve a five‑year term. Beyond choosing representatives, voters face a referendum on constitutional reforms that could reshape the political system, such as creating new bodies and shifting to a bicameral legislature. The proposed changes were drafted by major parties last year, though some factions—including Hasina’s Awami League—were excluded. Critics argue the referendum limits voters’ options, while supporters say it is essential for progress. The outcome will determine whether Bangladesh can move forward with a more inclusive and transparent governance structure.