Bangladesh is set to hold its parliamentary election on February 12, 2026, following the 2024 downfall of former autocrat Sheikh Hasina. The vote will coincide with a referendum on the July Charter. The two main contenders for the 300 parliamentary seats are the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), leading a 10-party alliance, and Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh (JIB), heading an 11-party coalition that includes the National Citizen Party (NCP). The Awami League remains banned from political activity. Other participants include Islami Andolan Bangladesh and the Jatiya Party, both running independently.

BNP, led by Tarique Rahman, son of late Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, has re-emerged as a major force since his return from exile in December 2025. Rahman has pledged inclusive governance and infrastructure development. Academic observers note the party’s renewed organization and growing public engagement. In contrast, Jamaat, led by Shafiqur Rahman, has sought to expand its base and counter concerns over its Islamist agenda by fielding a Hindu candidate for the first time.

Interim leader Dr. Muhammad Yunus and Army Chief General Waker-uz-Zaman are seen as key figures ensuring stability during the polls, while exiled Hasina continues to criticize the process from India.