Voting is underway in Bangladesh for the general elections, with political activity reaching its peak across the country. A total of 50 political parties are participating in the elections, while more than 127 million registered voters are expected to exercise their right to vote.
Polling began at 7:30 am local time in 299 constituencies and will continue until 4:30 pm. Candidates from various political parties are contesting 300 parliamentary seats, and a party or alliance must secure at least 151 seats to form the government.
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, National Citizen Party, Jatiya Party, and several other parties are in the race. Tarique Rahman, son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, is the prime ministerial candidate of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, while Jamaat-e-Islami chief Shafiqur Rahman is also considered a strong contender for the premiership.
Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League is not participating in the elections due to restrictions, although her role in the political developments of August 2024 remains significant. The Gen Z-led National Citizen Party has joined hands with Jamaat-e-Islami, making the electoral contest even more competitive.
After casting his vote, Tarique Rahman stated that restoring law and order is his top priority so that citizens feel secure. He also emphasized focusing on women’s welfare and expressed confidence in victory.
Jamaat-e-Islami chief Shafiqur Rahman, after voting, said that these elections represent a crucial turning point for Bangladesh, as public expectations and demands have changed and the country deserves a new direction.
Strict security arrangements have been put in place nationwide, and the army has been deployed to ensure a peaceful and secure voting process. The Chief Election Commissioner stated that all necessary measures have been completed to ensure that the elections are transparent, free, and fair.
According to a recent public survey, the BNP-led alliance is projected to secure 44.1 percent of the vote, while the Jamaat-e-Islami-led 11-party alliance is expected to receive 43.9 percent, indicating a very close and highly competitive contest between the two major blocs.
