Bangladesh tightens security as it holds first election since 2024 uprising

"The crucial national vote is the first since a mass uprising ended 15-year rule of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Bangladesh is gearing up to hold its 13th general election, the first since the 2024 uprising that toppled longtime leader Sheikh Hasina's autocratic regime and forced her into exile. More than 157,000 police officers, backed by 100,000 soldiers and thousands of other security personnel deployed across the country, will guard Thursday's vote, in which nearly 127 million people are entitled to cast their ballots."

"The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by 60-year-old Tarique Rahman, son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, has emerged as the frontrunner in the polls. Challenging the BNP and its allies is a broad 11-party coalition spearheaded by the Jamaat-e-Islami, which is seeking to expand its influence in national politics. The Islamist party was banned under Hasina but has gained influence since her ouster. The alliance also includes the newly formed National Citizen Party (NCP), created by leaders of the 2024 uprising."

"Along with the parliamentary election, a referendum on political reforms that include prime ministerial term limits, stronger checks on executive power, and other safeguards preventing parliamentary power consolidation is also being conducted. Election Commissioner Abul Fazal Muhammad Sanaullah said in a news conference on Tuesday that security cameras have been installed in more than 90 percent of 299 constituencies. Voting in one of the 300 constituencies has been suspended due to the death of a candidate."

The 13th general election follows a 2024 popular uprising that ended Sheikh Hasina's 15-year rule and forced her into exile. Nearly 127 million voters are eligible to participate. Security forces include over 157,000 police officers, 100,000 soldiers, and thousands of other personnel deployed nationwide, with security cameras installed in more than 90 percent of 299 constituencies. The BNP, led by Tarique Rahman, is the frontrunner. An 11-party coalition led by Jamaat-e-Islami and the newly formed National Citizen Party challenges the BNP. A concurrent referendum proposes prime ministerial term limits, stronger executive checks, and safeguards against parliamentary power consolidation. Authorities flagged over half of 42,000 polling stations as vulnerable to violence.

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