Bangladesh held its general elections on the 12th, marking the first elections since the fall of Prime Minister Hasina's government due to protests in 2024. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), which was previously suppressed by Hasina's regime, is emerging as a frontrunner, suggesting a significant potential shift in the country’s political landscape. However, the election is shrouded in uncertainty regarding whether it will lead to true democratic renewal, especially given the BNP's complicated history of repression against political opponents.

BNP leader Tarique Rahman, who recently returned to Bangladesh after a long exile, expressed optimism about the election, declaring that the day many people have awaited had finally arrived. While the BNP's support is notably high at around 66%, local media speculate that the party is likely to reclaim power. This moment follows a period of significant unrest and dissatisfaction among the youth, primarily stemming from high unemployment and the impact of a prolonged authoritarian regime under Hasina, who fled to India in August 2024.

Contrastingly, the National Citizens Party (NCP), formed by the youth-led protesters who challenged Hasina's government, has struggled to gain traction, recording only about 2% in polling support. Their youth-led leadership has faced challenges in establishing a solid political base, indicating that despite the popular support for change, the landscape of Bangladeshi politics remains fractured and deeply influenced by historical rivalries, particularly between the two dominant families involved in the ongoing power struggle.