Bangladesh held crucial parliamentary elections on Thursday, with voters flocking to polling stations under heightened security measures. This election is viewed as a pivotal test for the country's democracy, particularly after years of political instability. Approximately 128 million voters are registered, with nearly half being women; however, only 83 female candidates are contesting in the elections. A significant portion of the electorate comprises young voters, many of whom played a key role in the recent 2024 uprising, with around 5 million eligible to vote for the first time.

The Bangladeshi parliament consists of 350 seats, with 300 being directly elected from single-member constituencies, and 50 reserved for women. Representatives are elected through a simple majority, and the parliament serves a five-year term. The Election Commission has recently delayed voting in one constituency following the death of a candidate, indicating the complexities involved in the electoral process. Alongside the elections, a referendum on a series of proposed constitutional reforms will take place, including the establishment of a neutral transitional government for election periods, restructuring the parliament into a bicameral legislature, increasing female representation, enhancing judicial independence, and implementing measures to address electoral integrity.