Bangladesh Gears Up for Crucial Polls, Reform Referendum Amidst Voter Uncertainty
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News18•31-01-2026, 10:00
Bangladesh Gears Up for Crucial Polls, Reform Referendum Amidst Voter Uncertainty
- •Bangladesh is preparing for general elections and a reform referendum on February 12, following the August 2024 uprising that ended Sheikh Hasina's rule.
- •The Awami League, led by deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has been barred from contesting, leading to uncertainty among its 127 million eligible voters.
- •Interim government Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus calls the dual exercise a "grand festival" for a "new Bangladesh," but observers note weakened competition due to the Awami League's absence.
- •The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is seen as the frontrunner, appealing to Awami League supporters by emphasizing "secular nationalism" and 1971 Liberation War values.
- •A nationwide referendum on the 84-point July National Charter, aimed at reshaping the political system, is also taking place, with the interim government campaigning for a 'yes' vote despite criticism.
Why It Matters: Bangladesh faces a pivotal election and reform referendum with a major party banned, creating voter uncertainty.
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