On Thursday, Bangladesh, one of Asia's most populous countries, held elections to select a new government after a significant political shift that transpired nearly two years ago. These elections follow the removal of the authoritarian regime led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, amidst widespread protests that peaked in 2024, which saw a tragic loss of life with over 1,400 young demonstrators killed. This vote represents the first national election since the protests and is marked by a festive atmosphere, particularly among the youth that fueled the movement for change.

The political landscape in Bangladesh has been rapidly changing, especially after Sheikh Hasina, who has ruled for 15 years, fled to India amid accusations of authoritarianism. In 2025, she was sentenced to death by a Bangladeshi court for crimes against humanity, but India has shown no willingness to extradite her. The former regime's reputation deteriorated as economic challenges arose, notably impacting Bangladesh's status as the second-largest garment exporter in the world. Citizens hopeful for stability returned to the polls, with approximately 128 million registered voters amidst a record of at least 50 competing parties, although Hasina's party was notably banned from participation.

The opposition, primarily represented by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, emerged victorious in securing a majority of the 300 parliamentary seats. This reflects a pivotal moment in Bangladeshi politics where the electorate, eager for change and stability, demonstrated their voice at the ballot box, signaling a potential shift in governance and a need to address past grievances under Hasina's administration.