Bangladesh’s election campaign officially begins today ahead of the February 12, 2026 polls, marking the country’s first national election since the departure of Sheikh Hasina in 2024. The campaign period will see nearly 2,000 candidates contesting seats across the nation.
Major political parties have raised concerns about the fairness and transparency of the process, accusing the Election Commission of inconsistencies in candidate approvals and enforcement of rules. Allegations include loan-defaulters being allowed to contest and disqualified candidates reinstated through court orders.
The interim administration led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus is overseeing the polls, which are being closely watched as a test of Bangladesh’s democratic resilience. The Awami League remains excluded due to pending trials, while Jamaat-e-Islami has regained electoral space. For the first time, postal voting has been introduced for expatriates.
Analysts warn that the election could become a managed transition rather than a fully free and fair contest, as reports of street-level violence and mistrust between rival parties have already marred the opening phase of the campaign.
