Bangladesh recently conducted its first election following protests led by the 'Generation Z', which significantly influenced the political landscape of the country. Millions of voters turned out for the election on October 12, culminating in a substantial victory for a traditional political party, while the party formed by the protesters failed to gain traction at the polls. This election came approximately two years after the 2024 protests, which led to the fall of then-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and triggered a political and economic crisis in Bangladesh.

The aftermath of the protests brought significant turmoil, including an estimated 1,400 deaths according to UN reports, resulting in a repressive environment that contributed to the current political landscape. Sheikh Hasina fled to India during the protests, and the country is currently under the interim leadership of Muhammad Yunus, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate. As the new government faces the challenges of regaining stability and navigating the fallout from previous violence, analysts emphasize the importance of a decisive election outcome for restoring peace to the nation of 175 million inhabitants.

With around 128 million eligible voters, the election saw a strong voter turnout, reflecting the public's engagement in the democratic process despite a backdrop of ongoing political strife. The varied performances of political parties suggest potential shifts in voter sentiment, particularly among younger demographics who were instrumental in igniting the recent protests. As the results unfold, the implications for Bangladesh's political future and stability remain a subject of close observation, given the current economic impacts stemming from earlier unrest.