By Avantika Deb
Bangladesh held a general election on 12 February. The polls took place against the backdrop of a violent youth-led uprising and the subsequent downfall of the Awami League-led government. The centre-right Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)-led alliance won a landslide majority with 212 out of 297 parliamentary seats. It was the main opposition under the previous administration.
The Jamaat-e-Islami party emerged as the main opposition with 77 seats, while the youth-led National Citizen Party (NCP), which emerged from the anti-government protests, secured six seats. Turnout was close to 60 percent and the elections were conducted relatively peacefully, barring sporadic incidents of poll violence. Additionally, voters cast their ballots in favour of the July National Charter, which outlines a roadmap for a complete overhaul of the country’s governance system.
Backdrop
The latest election was of great significance as the internal political situation in Bangladesh recently experienced a paradigm shift. In July 2024, violent and disruptive protests erupted nationwide as university students took to the streets against the reinstatement of the quota system in government jobs. The demonstrations soon escalated into clashes between protesters and police, as well as between anti- and pro-quota activists. Leading media channels went off the air and internet services were suspended. Curfews and other prohibitory orders were imposed. Around 1,400 people were killed in the unrest, which resulted in then-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigning and fleeing the country after losing the military’s support. An interim government led by Mohammad Yunus oversaw the gradual return to normalcy and the subsequent election this year.
Heavy security measures and related disruptions were reported in urban areas near sensitive locations. This was especially the case around political party offices, government buildings, public squares and electoral infrastructure, well ahead of the election. Soldiers remained deployed after the results were announced. They were particularly visible during key events, such as the swearing-in ceremony at the National Parliament in Dhaka.
Projected outcome
The BNP alliance won a clear majority in Bangladesh’s election. Tarique Rahman was sworn in as the new prime minister. He is the son of the late former PM Khaleda Zia and current party chairperson. The win shows that voters chose a familiar political force, returning to institutional politics instead of embracing the NCP’s ideological shift. The NCP also struggled with internal turmoil after its controversial decision to ally with Jamaat. The real question is whether the BNP can bring cohesion and stability in a divided society. Protests by groups like garment workers and students over employment and other demands continue.
Considering the strong public mandate it has received, the BNP will be expected to deliver on promises of economic expansion, anti-corruption measures and reform, among other issues. However, the size of its majority might allow the administration to function without facing serious opposition challenges. In addition, the BNP’s manifesto does not fully align with the July National Charter. Hence, it remains to be seen whether the desired reforms will be implemented by the new government.