The paradox of Bangladesh’s democratic rebirth: A critical analysis of the 2026 election’s promise and pitfalls

Bangladesh's center-right BNP and its allies swept the election in a landslide

Originally published on Global Voices

A long queue of residents’ snakes across the school grounds around midday on February 12, 2026. Voters line up in several long rows waiting to cast their ballots, illustrating high turnout and extended waits at this Mirpur polling station in central Dhaka. Image by the author, used with permission.

On February 12, 2026, Bangladesh held an election that many are calling a landmark democratic exercise...