Counting Begins After Bangladesh Polls End in Landmark Election

Dhaka, Thursday — Vote counting is underway across Bangladesh after polling ended in the country’s first national election since the deadly 2024 uprising that removed long-time leader Sheikh Hasina from power.

Polling started at 7:30am local time and continued peacefully until 4:30pm across the country. Election officials confirmed that ballot counting began immediately after voting closed.

First Election Since 2024 Uprising

The election is seen as a turning point for the South Asian nation of 170 million people. It follows months of political instability after mass protests in 2024 ended Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year rule.

Interim leader Muhammad Yunus, who took charge after Hasina’s removal in August 2024, is expected to step down once results are finalised. His caretaker government barred the Awami League from contesting the polls.

BNP Faces Strong Islamist Challenge

Former prime minister-in-waiting Tarique Rahman, leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), is widely seen as the frontrunner. The 60-year-old has promised to restore stability and revive the struggling economy.

However, BNP faces strong competition from Jamaat-e-Islami, the country’s largest Islamist party. Its chief, Shafiqur Rahman, 67, has run a disciplined grassroots campaign.

If Jamaat wins, it would form the first Islamist-led government in constitutionally secular Bangladesh.

Tight Race Expected

Opinion polls have shown mixed results. While many place BNP ahead, others suggest the race is extremely close.

“This election will shape the future of our democracy,” Muhammad Yunus said before voting began.
“It will decide the direction of the country and the fate of the next generation.”

Referendum Held Alongside Elections

Along with electing 300 lawmakers, voters are also deciding a key referendum. The proposals include:

• Limits on prime ministerial terms

• Creation of an upper house of parliament

• Stronger presidential powers

• Greater judicial independence

Another 50 women lawmakers will be selected from party lists.

Heavy Security, Manual Counting

More than 300,000 security personnel were deployed nationwide to ensure peaceful voting. Authorities confirmed that ballots are being counted manually, including referendum votes.

Political analyst Thomas Kean from the International Crisis Group said the process would be a key test.

“If the vote is fair and results are accepted, it will mark real democratic renewal,” he said.

Economy and Regional Ties at Stake

The next government will inherit a weakened economy. Bangladesh is the world’s second-largest garment exporter but faces rising unemployment and inflation.

Relations with neighbouring India are also expected to be a major challenge, especially after Sheikh Hasina fled there following her removal from office.

In his final address, Yunus urged calm and unity.

“Victory and defeat are both part of democracy,” he said.
“Let us work together to build a just and inclusive Bangladesh.”