Bangladesh Holds Historic General Election Two Years After Sheikh Hasina's Exit

Dhaka. Two years after the end of Sheikh Hasina's 15-year autocratic rule, Bangladesh is holding a historic general election today (Thursday). In this election, the first since the student movement and political upheaval of 2024, over 120 million voters across the country are casting ballots to choose a new government.

Following Hasina's departure, the interim government led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus took power. This election, organized after long preparations by the interim government, is seen as a crucial step towards restoring democracy in Bangladesh. The electoral process this time is quite different and interesting compared to the past.

• One Vote for the Government, Another Vote for the 'Constitution'

Every voter reaching the polling center today will receive two ballot papers, a novel practice in Bangladesh's electoral history. Through the first 'white ballot paper,' voters will select a Member of Parliament for their constituency. The second 'pink ballot paper' will be used for a national referendum.

Through the pink ballot paper, the public can accept or reject the proposed constitutional reform package. This package includes proposals to increase female representation in parliament, set a term limit for the Prime Minister, and establish a 100-member upper house (National Council). If these proposals pass the referendum, the majority of the upper house will be mandatory for future constitutional amendments.

• Awami League Out of the Ring, Main Contest Between BNP and Jamaat

The scene in the electoral arena has changed this time as Sheikh Hasina's party, the Awami League, which was the main competitor in past elections, has been banned. In the absence of the Awami League, the center-right Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is seen as the main contender. 

Tarique Rahman, son of BNP leader and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, has put forward an agenda focusing on corruption control, job creation, and infrastructure development. Many view him as the future Prime Minister.

Jamaat-e-Islami has emerged strongly to challenge the BNP. This largest Muslim party, once banned, has expanded its influence in recent years. 

Jamaat, which has allied with the youth-centric National Citizen Party, has promised economic prosperity and agricultural reform. However, the resentment towards Jamaat-e-Islami among many has not subsided due to its history of supporting Pakistan during the 1971 Liberation War.

• Change Written in Blood

The student movement in July 2024 gave a new turn to Bangladesh's politics. According to the United Nations, more than 1400 people lost their lives in the crackdown by security forces during the movement. The violent protests, which lasted for 46 days, ultimately forced Hasina to leave the country.

Hasina has been sentenced to death by the court on charges of suppressing protesters, but she is currently living in exile in India. Hasina denies the charges against her and has questioned the legitimacy of this election. However, the Bangladeshi public appears enthusiastic about being able to choose their representative in a fear-free environment after a long time.

• Overseas Citizens Can Also Vote

Another historic aspect of this election is that Bangladeshi citizens living abroad can vote for the first time. Previously, there was no provision for voting rights for citizens residing abroad. This election, taking place after the end of political instability and authoritarian tendencies, is expected to bring Bangladesh back on the democratic track.

While there have been complaints in past elections about them being controversial and rigged, this time voters feel they have a real alternative. The result of this election, taking place after decades without the direct presence of the two major political figures Sheikh Hasina and Khaleda Zia, will determine the future of the South Asian nation of Bangladesh.