Bangladesh is set to hold its first general election following the student uprising of 2024, which led to the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is currently in voluntary exile in India. The election, scheduled for Thursday, features a boycott from Hasina's banned party, the Awami League, while new parties and alliances compete for power. Over 127 million voters are eligible to cast their ballots, including approximately 5 million first-time voters, in a country with a population of around 170 million.

A total of 1981 candidates are contesting for 350 seats in the national parliament, with 300 of these positions being directly elected from individual constituencies. The remaining 50 seats are reserved for women. The elections will be conducted under a simple majority system, with a parliamentary term lasting five years. With the Awami League prohibited from participating, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, led by Tarique Rahman, has emerged as a strong contender. Rahman returned to Bangladesh in December after 17 years in voluntary exile, pledging to restore his party’s influence in the political landscape.

The implications of this election are significant for Bangladesh’s political future, with different parties trying to establish their presence amid the absence of the ruling party. The potential participation of new political alliances reflects changing dynamics and public sentiment in a nation that has experienced considerable political unrest. As the country moves forward, the success of this election will likely play a crucial role in shaping its governance and social fabric in the years to come.