Sheikh Hasina plans to contest Bangladesh Elections to be held in February 2026
Bangladesh will hold its next national elections in February 2026. The Election Commission has begun preparations to make sure the elections are free, fair, and peaceful. Over 120 million people are expected to vote to choose 300 members of the national parliament.
The ruling party, Awami League, led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, is planning to run for a fifth term. Hasina has been in power since 2009. Her government highlights big projects and economic growth as key achievements. However, many people and critics say the government has limited free speech and controlled the opposition.
The main opposition party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), has demanded that the elections be held under a neutral caretaker government. The BNP claims past elections were unfair and says it may not take part unless their demand is accepted. Other parties, including the Jatiya Party and smaller groups, are also preparing to join the race.
Many people in Bangladesh and abroad are calling for reforms to make the elections more trustworthy. The United States, the European Union, and other international groups have said that Bangladesh must ensure fair elections. The government has promised transparency and agreed to let international observers watch the voting.
The political atmosphere is tense. Several political rallies have seen clashes between party supporters. Police have arrested some opposition leaders, causing concern among rights groups. Security forces are on alert to prevent violence.
Young people will play a big role in this election, as around 40 percent of voters are under 35. Social media is already full of campaign messages and political debates. The government says it will monitor these platforms to stop false news, but some groups worry about censorship.
Voters are most concerned about rising prices, jobs, healthcare, and corruption. As the election nears, the people of Bangladesh are hoping for peaceful, fair, and meaningful voting that reflects their needs and voices.
