Bangladesh votes in its first election since the 2024 Gen Z uprising that ousted Hasina
Summary
Bangladesh holds its first parliamentary election since the 2024 Gen Z uprising that ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, with Tarique Rahman as a leading contender amid concerns over rising Islamist influence.
Key Points
- Bangladesh is holding its first parliamentary election since the 2024 uprising that led to Sheikh Hasina's government collapse.
- Tarique Rahman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party is a leading candidate aiming to rebuild democratic institutions and the economy.
- An 11-party alliance led by Jamaat-e-Islami is challenging BNP, raising concerns over social freedoms especially among women and minorities.
- A referendum included in the election could enable significant constitutional reforms, including a shift to a bicameral legislature.
