As the clock struck midnight, women in Dhaka raised their flaming torches and marched through the night, chanting 'The people have shed blood, now we demand equality.' This demonstrates the urgency and determination among citizens ahead of the first free and fair elections in Bangladesh in 17 years, following the overthrow of Sheikh Hasina's regime amid a bloody uprising led by students in August 2024 that resulted in over 1,000 deaths.

For many in Bangladesh, the weeks leading up to the elections have been a mix of celebration and trepidation. Opposition figures who have faced years of persecution and imprisonment are now candidates and are holding their first free rallies in years. The former Prime Minister has been exiled in India and faces the death penalty for crimes against humanity in Bangladesh, while her party, the Awami League, has been banned from contesting in the elections. This political backdrop has significantly heightened the stakes of the upcoming vote.

However, amidst the hope, there is also considerable concern regarding the implications of the elections. Many women express fears about the possible rise of Islamist factions and their influence in the new political landscape. As they take to the streets advocating for their rights, these women symbolize a broader struggle for equality and justice in the face of past and potential future oppression. The success of this electoral process may hinge on how these women, and the opinion of the general populace, are able to shape and contribute to a more inclusive Bangladesh.