Bangladesh began voting in its long-awaited 13th National Parliament election and a constitutional referendum on February 12, 2026. Polling runs from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. across 42,958 centers in 299 constituencies, with the Sherpur-3 seat postponed due to a candidate’s death. The Election Commission has deployed one hundred thousand soldiers and nine hundred thousand security personnel to ensure a peaceful process. The vote marks the first competitive election in 15 years, following the fall of the previous authoritarian regime in mid-2024 and the formation of an interim government led by Nobel laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus.

The election is being held alongside a referendum on the “July Charter,” a proposed constitutional reform. Fifty-one of fifty-nine registered political parties, including BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami, are participating, while the Awami League is banned. The interim government and the Election Commission have pledged a free and fair vote. Analysts describe the event as a historic test of Bangladesh’s democratic transition after two decades of political repression.

Observers note that the success of this election will depend on its neutrality and the stability of the post-election government.