Bangladesh Elects New Government After Uprising Ends Awami League Rule

(MENAFN) Voters across Bangladesh head to the polls on Thursday in a historic election marking the first national vote since a mass uprising brought an end to the Awami League’s 15-year tenure in power. The ballot is seen as a turning point, giving citizens the opportunity to choose a new administration and weigh in on proposed constitutional amendments.

More than 127.6 million registered voters are eligible to participate. Polling stations opened at 7:30 a.m. (0130 GMT) and are scheduled to operate for nine hours, closing at 4:30 p.m. (1030 GMT). With approximately 42,000 polling centers nationwide, ballots are being cast to fill 300 directly elected parliamentary seats. Preliminary outcomes are expected to emerge gradually later in the day.

The race features broad political participation, with 51 parties fielding a combined 2,034 candidates. Among them are 275 independents seeking parliamentary representation. Beyond the 300 general seats determined by popular vote, the legislature also includes 50 seats reserved for women, bringing total parliamentary membership to 350.

Prominent political figures took part in the voting process in the capital, Dhaka, including BNP leader Tarique Rahman and Jamaat-e-Islami head Shafiqur Rahman. Interim leader Muhammad Yunus also cast his ballot in the city. “Today is a day of joy for all of Bangladesh—a day of liberation. The end of our nightmare, the beginning of new dreams," Yunus told reporters after casting his ballot.

According to official figures, the election is being monitored by 394 international observers, while roughly 197 foreign journalists are present to cover the proceedings.

This vote marks the country’s 13th parliamentary election. It is also notable for enabling Bangladeshi expatriates to participate via postal ballots for the first time since 1971, expanding electoral access beyond national borders.

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