Polls close, counting begins in Bangladesh election after high turnout
Summary
Counting has begun in Bangladesh's national election following high voter turnout in the first vote since the ouster of long-time premier Sheikh Hasina. The contest involves major coalitions led by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and Jamaat-e-Islami under heavy security amidst hopes for democratic renewal.
Key Points
- Counting has started in Bangladesh's national election after high voter turnout surpassing previous elections.
- The election follows the 2024 ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina amid a Gen Z-driven uprising.
- Two main coalitions contest the election: Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami, with BNP favored to win.
- Heavy security was deployed across the country and the election included a referendum on constitutional reforms.
- Awami League is banned and Hasina remains in self-imposed exile in India, impacting regional geopolitical dynamics.
