Bangladesh votes in its first election since the 2024 Gen Z uprising that ousted Hasina
The Associated PressFEB 12
Bangladesh Holds First Election Since Ousting Hasina
Bangladesh Holds First Election Since Ousting Hasina Ousted
Above: Muhammad Yunus greets supporters after casting his vote in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on Feb. 12, 2026. Image credit: Abdul Goni/Anadolu/Getty Images
The Spin
Bangladesh'sThis 13th national election demonstrated institutional maturity and responsible governance. Law enforcement maintained neutrality, political parties showed restraint, and voters cast ballots without fear or disruption in a calm atmosphere that strengthened democratic institutions and public confidence.
The election was a complete farce marked by polling center seizures, gunfire, vote-buying and ballot tampering starting the evening before voting. Voter turnout was negligible across most centers, with many having no voters at all, while suspicious, abnormal increases appeared in voter lists, especially in Dhaka.
Metaculus Prediction
There's a 5% chance that Bangladesh's former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will return from exile before 2030, according to the Metaculus prediction community.
Articles on this story
© 2026 Improve the News Foundation. All rights reserved.Version 6.18.0
© 2026 Improve the News Foundation.
All rights reserved.
Version 6.18.0