Bangladesh sets February election after year of political upheaval

"Bangladesh will hold a parliamentary election on February 12, authorities said, in what would be the country's first national vote since last year's student-led uprising that removed former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. In a televised address on Thursday, the chief election commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin confirmed the date and said a national referendum on political reforms would also be held on the same day."

"The caretaker government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, has faced renewed demonstrations over delays to political and institutional reforms promised after Hasina's removal from power. Hasina's party remains excluded from the ballot, and its leaders have warned that unrest could escalate as the campaign gathers pace. Yunus framed the election schedule as a turning point, saying the country had moved closer to reclaiming democratic norms."

"The turbulence of the transition sharpened on Thursday after President Mohammed Shahabuddin, appointed to the largely symbolic post during Hasina's tenure, announced he would resign once voting concludes. He told the news agency Reuters he intended to step aside midway through his term, saying he had felt humiliated by the Yunus government. Many voters are focussed on restoring democratic rule, reviving the vital garment-export industry, and recalibrating ties with India, which soured after Hasina fled to India following the upheaval."

Parliamentary elections and a national referendum are scheduled for February 12, marking the first national vote since the student-led uprising that removed former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The chief election commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin confirmed the date and said the referendum would accompany contests for 300 seats. The caretaker government led by Muhammad Yunus faces renewed demonstrations over delayed political and institutional reforms, while Hasina's party remains excluded from the ballot and its leaders warn unrest could escalate. President Mohammed Shahabuddin said he will resign after voting, citing humiliation by the Yunus government. Nearly 128 million voters can cast ballots at more than 42,000 polling stations.

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