Polls close, counting begins in Bangladesh election after high turnout

The 2024 uprising, primarily spearheaded by the nation’s youth, particularly those under 30 (Generation Z), was a watershed moment in Bangladesh’s modern history. Fuelled by widespread discontent over economic hardship, rampant corruption, perceived authoritarianism, and a glaring lack of democratic space, these protests rapidly escalated from localized student movements into a nationwide phenomenon. Unlike previous political agitations often orchestrated by established parties, the Gen Z-led movement was largely leaderless in the traditional sense, relying heavily on social media and digital platforms for organization and mobilization. Their demands transcended partisan politics, focusing on fundamental rights, good governance, and an end to the perceived misrule of Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League government, which had been in power for over 15 years. The intensity and non-violent nature of the initial protests, met by a harsh government crackdown, garnered significant international attention, ultimately culminating in Hasina’s resignation and self-imposed exile, paving the way for an interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus.

Although final figures were not immediately available, Akhtar Ahmed, senior secretary of the Election Commission, told reporters that nearly half the electorate had voted at 36,031 of the 42,651 polling centres by 2pm (4pm, Singapore time), with two-and-a-half hours to go before polls officially closed. This figure, exceeding the entire 42 per cent turnout recorded at the last general election in 2024, is a powerful indicator of renewed public engagement and confidence in the electoral process, especially when contrasted with previous polls marred by opposition boycotts and allegations of widespread irregularities. Analysts view this heightened participation as a crucial step towards validating the election’s legitimacy and fostering greater stability.

The stakes for Bangladesh could not be higher. Experts say a decisive and credible result is crucial for steady governance in a nation grappling with significant economic challenges. The deadly anti-Hasina protests that preceded this election triggered months of unrest, severely disrupting key industries, including the colossal garments sector. As the world’s second-largest exporter of ready-made garments, employing millions, predominantly women, and accounting for over 80% of the nation’s total exports, the stability of this industry is paramount to Bangladesh’s economic health. Sustained political uncertainty had not only deterred foreign investment but also threatened supply chains and worker livelihoods, exacerbating existing pressures from global economic fluctuations and rising inflation. This election, therefore, is not merely a political contest but a crucial determinant of the nation’s economic recovery and future prosperity. Moreover, it holds a unique global distinction as the world’s first national election to directly follow an uprising led predominantly by under-30s, or Gen Z, setting a precedent that will be closely watched, particularly by Nepal, which is slated to hold its own elections next month after a similar youth-driven movement.

Counting began promptly at 4.30pm at most booths, immediately after polls closed, with election officials anticipating early trends around midnight. Comprehensive results were expected to be clear by Friday morning, allowing the nation to glimpse its future leadership. The political landscape for this election is starkly different from previous contests. With Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League banned by the interim government following the uprising and Hasina herself remaining in self-imposed exile in long-term ally India, the playing field has been dramatically reshaped. This absence has created an unprecedented opening for other political forces to contest power.

The primary contest pits two major coalitions against each other, both led by former allies who now find themselves in opposition: the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and the Jamaat-e-Islami. Opinion polls leading up to the election had given a discernible edge to the BNP, signaling a potential return to power for the party that has historically alternated leadership with the Awami League. The BNP is led by its acting chairman, Tarique Rahman, who is also in exile, having been convicted on various charges during the Hasina regime. Despite his absence from the country, Rahman has maintained a strong influence over the party, articulating its vision for a democratic and prosperous Bangladesh. Jamaat-e-Islami, an Islamist political party, is led by Shafiqur Rahman. Both prime ministerial candidates – the BNP’s Tarique Rahman and Jamaat chief Shafiqur Rahman – expressed confidence in their prospects of winning, despite not being related.

"I am confident of winning the election. There is enthusiasm among the people about the vote," Tarique Rahman reportedly told reporters via a video conference from his overseas location, emphasizing the public’s eagerness to participate. Jamaat’s Shafiqur Rahman, meanwhile, called the election a "turning point" for Bangladesh, articulating a sentiment that resonated with many voters eager for systemic change. The alliance between BNP and Jamaat, while strategically significant, also highlights the complex and often shifting political alignments in Bangladesh. Historically, elections during Hasina’s tenure were frequently marred by opposition boycotts and accusations of intimidation, electoral fraud, and a shrinking space for dissent, leading to questions about the legitimacy of democratic processes under her leadership. The current election is seen as a crucial opportunity to rectify these past shortcomings and restore public faith in the electoral system.

Beyond domestic politics, Hasina’s continued self-imposed exile in India, a long-term strategic ally of Bangladesh, carries significant geopolitical implications. Bangladesh, strategically located at the crossroads of South and Southeast Asia, is a critical player in regional power dynamics. Hasina’s Awami League government had maintained a strong pro-India stance, fostering close bilateral ties. Her departure and the potential shift in leadership could lead to a re-evaluation of Bangladesh’s foreign policy alignments. This opening has created a window for China, a burgeoning economic and political power in the region, to potentially expand its influence in Bangladesh. Beijing has already invested heavily in Bangladeshi infrastructure projects as part of its Belt and Road Initiative, and any deterioration of Dhaka’s ties with New Delhi could provide an impetus for China to further solidify its strategic presence, creating a new geopolitical chessboard in the Bay of Bengal.

In a move aimed at institutionalizing lasting democratic reforms, a significant referendum was held concurrently with the general election. This referendum presented voters with a comprehensive set of constitutional reforms designed to address the root causes of past political instability and strengthen democratic institutions. Key proposals included establishing a neutral interim government for election periods, a mechanism long advocated by opposition parties to ensure fair polls free from incumbent influence. Other proposed reforms aimed at restructuring parliament into a bicameral legislature, which would introduce an upper house to provide additional checks and balances and potentially enhance regional representation. Measures to increase women’s representation in parliament, strengthen judicial independence (a critical step after years of perceived executive interference), and impose a two-term limit on the prime minister were also on the ballot. This term limit is a direct response to the concerns arising from Sheikh Hasina’s prolonged tenure, which many critics argued led to a concentration of power and erosion of democratic norms. These reforms are seen as foundational to rebuilding a robust and equitable democratic system in Bangladesh.

With over 2,000 candidates, including a significant number of independents, vying for 300 seats in the Jatiya Sangsad, or House of the Nation, the election represented a vibrant and diverse contest. At least 50 political parties were contesting in total, a national record, showcasing a broad spectrum of political ideologies and aspirations. Voting in one constituency, however, had to be postponed due to the unfortunate death of a candidate, highlighting the inherent challenges and logistical complexities of managing such a massive electoral exercise.

Despite the high stakes and the country’s history of political violence, election day proceeded with remarkably few reports of major incidents. This relative calm was a testament to the extensive security measures put in place. Around 958,000 personnel from the police, army, and paramilitary forces were deployed throughout the country on election day, with a visible presence of police and army personnel stationed outside most polling booths. While the day was largely peaceful, there were isolated incidents. A BNP leader reportedly died in a scuffle outside a polling booth in the coastal town of Khulna, a grim reminder of the underlying tensions. Additionally, two paramilitary personnel and a 13-year-old girl were injured when a home-made bomb exploded outside a polling booth in Hasina’s former stronghold of Gopalganj. These incidents, though regrettable, were contained and did not escalate into widespread unrest, which marked a notable improvement compared to the violence that often accompanied past elections.

The prevailing sentiment among voters was one of palpable excitement and hope. "I am feeling excited because we are voting in a free manner after 17 years," Mohammed Jobair Hossain, 39, shared with reporters as he waited patiently in line. "Our votes will matter and have meaning." Hossain’s sentiment was widely echoed by many voters who spoke to the media, describing an atmosphere that felt freer and more festive than in previous elections. Kamal Chowdhury, 31, a driver who traveled from Dhaka to his hometown in the eastern district of Brahmanbaria specifically to cast his vote, captured the mood vividly: "It feels festive here. People are so enthusiastic to cast their vote – it’s almost like Eid," he added, referring to Eid al-Fitr, the major Muslim religious festival. This widespread feeling of liberation and empowerment underscores the depth of public desire for genuine democratic participation.

Outside a polling booth in Dhaka, where both BNP chief Tarique Rahman (voting remotely or by proxy in his capacity as party leader) and the interim head of government, Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, symbolically cast their votes, the scene was particularly striking. Policemen on horses, with saddle blankets proclaiming, "Police are here, vote without fear," reinforced the message of security and reassurance. After voting, Yunus, who took over as interim head after Hasina’s ouster, delivered an impassioned statement, encapsulating the national mood: "From today, we have the opportunity to build a new Bangladesh with every step we take. This is a festival, a day of joy, a day of liberation, the end of our nightmare. I congratulate you all." His words resonated deeply, signifying not just an election but a potential rebirth for the nation.

However, the path ahead remains challenging. Thomas Kean, a senior consultant with the International Crisis Group, offered a sober assessment of the immediate future. "The crucial test for Bangladesh now will be to ensure the election is conducted fairly and impartially, and for all parties to then accept the result," he stated. "If that happens, it will be the strongest evidence yet that Bangladesh has indeed embarked on a period of democratic renewal." This expert perspective highlights the critical need for political maturity and statesmanship from all parties involved. The successful implementation of the proposed constitutional reforms, coupled with a commitment to inclusive governance and reconciliation, will be vital in consolidating the democratic gains made after the Gen Z uprising. Bangladesh stands at a crossroads, with this election poised to define its trajectory for decades to come, offering a beacon of hope for genuine democratic transformation in a region often challenged by political instability.