Timeline of past Bangladesh elections and the country's leaders

"Bangladesh is heading to the polls for the first time since student-led protests dramatically ousted its longtime leader, former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, amid a brutal crackdown on demonstrators, and forced her to flee the country in 2024. More than 127 million people are eligible to vote in the February 12 elections, which are being referred to as the biggest democratic exercise of the year. However, there are concerns about the possibility of unrest."

"About 15 million Bangladeshi expatriates, whose remittances are highly significant for the economy, will also be able to vote by post for the first time. Elections in the South Asian country, which is currently led by the caretaker government of Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, have historically been marked by bitter political campaigns, boycotts and allegations of rigging. Traditionally, the country's politics has been dominated by Hasina's former ruling Awami League, and the former main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)."

"The Awami League, however, has been banned as its leader, Hasina, and other party officials face criminal trials over their brutal crackdown on protests in 2024. Hasina was tried and issued a death sentence in absentia for ordering the killing of protesters. But India, where she has taken refuge, has not agreed to her extradition. Bangladesh operates a single-house parliamentary system, and a prime minister typically appoints a ceremonial president."

Bangladesh will hold nationwide elections on February 12, the first since student-led protests forced Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to flee in 2024 following a brutal crackdown. More than 127 million domestic voters and about 15 million expatriates eligible to vote by post will participate. The caretaker government of Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus is overseeing the vote amid concerns of unrest. The Awami League has been banned while Hasina and party officials face criminal trials and an in absentia death sentence; India has not extradited Hasina. A total of 1,981 candidates contest 350 Jatiya Sangsad seats; the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami lead major coalitions.

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