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Last Updated:February 12, 2026, 09:34 IST
Bangladesh Election 2026 Voting Live Updates: BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami emerge as main contenders in Awami League’s absence.
Voters stand in the queue at a polling station on the day of the 13th general election in Dhaka, Bangladesh, February 12, 2026. (Photo: Reuters)
Bangladesh General Election 2026 Voting Live Updates: Voting began on Thursday in Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary elections, a key moment in the country’s political journey. The polls come 18 months after Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year rule ended following student-led protests in July 2024, leading to an interim government under Muhammad Yunus. With the Awami League disbanded and barred from contesting, this is the first national election in decades without its participation.
The contest is now primarily between the Bangladesh ist Party (BNP) and its former ally Jamaat-e-Islami, which is leading an 11-party coalition. Opinion polls suggest BNP as the frontrunner, with its leader Tarique Rahman seeking a political comeback after years in exile. Nearly 127 million voters are eligible to cast ballots across 299 constituencies, while a parallel referendum on an 84-point reform charter will also be held.
Security is tight, with almost one million personnel deployed and more than half of polling centres marked as risk-prone. For the first time, expatriate Bangladeshis are voting through an IT-based postal ballot system. Authorities say drones, body cameras and CCTV networks will monitor voting. Amid hopes of change and concerns over stability, the election is being closely watched as a defining moment for Bangladesh’s democratic future.
Bangladesh Election 2026 Live Updates: Why Bangladesh’s 2026 Vote Is Being Called The First Gen Z Election?
Bangladesh’s 2026 parliamentary election is being described by observers as the world’s first Gen Z-inspired poll, highlighting the influence of young voters and activists in shaping the country’s politics. Many youths who took part in the 2024 uprising that led to Sheikh Hasina’s removal see this vote as the first truly competitive contest since 2009. For them, it marks a clear break from the past and an opportunity to redefine national direction. The Citizen Party (NCP), led largely by activists under 30, emerged from that movement. After struggling to gain broad support alone, the NCP has now allied with Jamaat-e-Islami to consolidate its position.
Bangladesh Election 2026 Live Updates: Jamaat Chief Shafiqur Rahman Calls Bangladesh Election A ‘Turning Point’
After casting his vote, Jamaat-e-Islami chief Shafiqur Rahman called the election a “turning point” for Bangladesh. The election comes 18 months after Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year rule ended following student-led protests in July 2024 and the formation of an interim government led by Muhammad Yunus.
Bangladesh Election 2026 Live Updates: BNP Chief Tarique Rahman Casts Vote
Tarique Rahman, leader of the Bangladesh ist Party, who emerges as a leading contender for prime minister, casts his ballot in the general election.
Bangladesh Election 2026 Live Updates: 9.58 Lakh Personnel, Drones And Cameras Guard Polling Centres
Amid reports of violence across Bangladesh, the authorities deployed nearly 9.58 lakh security personnel and expanded surveillance for the vote. Over 90 per cent of 42,779 polling centres are under CCTV watch. Drones and body-worn cameras are being used for the first time. Officials said the measures will help document polling and assist law enforcement if required.
Bangladesh Election 2026 Live Updates: Jamaat Chief Shafiqur Rahman Casts Vote In Dhaka
Jamaat chief Shafiqur Rehman casts vote in the ongoing Bangladesh elections.
Bangladesh Election 2026 Live Updates: Poll Tensions Rise As Violence, Cash Seizures Reported Across Bangladesh
A series of incidents tied to election-related violence, intimidation, and irregularities have unfolded across Bangladesh in recent days, highlighting the tense atmosphere surrounding the polls.
In Barisal’s Babuganj upazila, the army detained two men identified as BNP activists, Humayun Gazi and Enayet Kazi, during a routine patrol. Authorities recovered 102,000 taka in cash and election slips from their possession. The army stated that it is working professionally and neutrally to maintain peace and stability during the election period.
Elsewhere, violence struck Bogura, where Milon Mia, president of the Dhunat Government Degree College unit of the BNP’s student wing, was stabbed near a polling center.
In Khulna-5 constituency, allegations of voter intimidation emerged. Local Jamaat leader Dr. Nitya Ranjan Roy reportedly threatened Hindu voters, warning them against supporting rival parties.
Meanwhile, in Old Dhaka, Jamaat leader Md. Habib was arrested for allegedly distributing money to voters. A mobile court sentenced him to two days in jail.
Authorities also seized 15 lakh taka from a vehicle belonging to a Krishak Dal leader in Lakshmipur, while in Thakurgaon-3, two Jatiya Party leaders were fined 15,000 taka for distributing cash in favor of their party symbol.
In Shariatpur’s Naria upazila, joint forces detained a local Jamaat leader with 7.5 lakh taka and a laptop, according to reports.
Bangladesh Election 2026 Live Updates: Dhaka-17 Turns Spotlight As BNP Chief Tarique Rahman Faces Jamaat Candidate
A key contest is underway in Dhaka-17 as BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman faces SM Khaliduzzaman, backed by Jamaat-e-Islami. Rahman, who returned in December after 17 years in exile, is seen as a national frontrunner. His decision to contest from Dhaka-17 has drawn intense attention to the seat. Khaliduzzaman represents Jamaat’s 11-party alliance, which is aiming to widen its political base in the absence of the Awami League from the election race.
Bangladesh Election 2026 Live Updates: Stabbing Reported Near Bogura Polling Station Amid Voting
A stabbing case has been reported near polling station in Bogura Bangladesh. Also, cash-for-votes allegations have been raised in some districts in Bangladesh.
Bangladesh Election 2026 Live Updates: 7.4 Million Taka Seized Ahead Of Polling Day In Bangladesh
Polling in Bangladesh began amid tight security after a tense night of arrests, cash seizures and scattered unrest. Jamaat’s Thakurgaon chief was detained with 7.4 million taka at Saidpur airport.
Jamaat called it staged, while the BNP alleged vote-buying. Jamaat’s chief urged supporters to stay alert against rumours.
Bangladesh Election 2026 Live Updates: Who Is Tarique Rahman And What Are His Prospects In Bangladesh’s Elections?
Tarique Rahman, also known as Tarique Zia, is the acting chairman of the Bangladesh ist Party and son of Khaleda Zia and Ziaur Rahman. He returned to Bangladesh in December 2025 after 17 years in exile. Now the BNP’s prime ministerial candidate for the February 12 election, he is projected as a stability figure. Polls show the BNP alliance leading with 33–35 per cent support. However, he faces challenges from an Islamist alliance and lingering criticism over past corruption allegations.
Bangladesh Election 2026 Live Updates: Awami League Alleges ‘Overnight Voting’ At Dhaka Polling Centre, Questions Election Transparency
Bangladesh Election 2026 Live Updates: Key Parties In Frey
Bangladesh Election 2026 Live Updates: 12.77 Crore Voters Take Part In Bangladesh Election
Bangladesh Election 2026 Live Updates: Sherpur-3 Poll Cancelled After Candidate’s Death
Bangladesh Election Live Updates: Voters are casting ballots for 299 seats in Bangladesh’s Jatiya Sangsad, with 150 needed for a majority. Polling in Sherpur-3 was cancelled after a candidate’s death.
Around 12.77 crore registered voters are taking part under the first-past-the-post system. Voting began at 7:30 am local time, and early results are expected to emerge by evening.
Bangladesh Election 2026 Live Updates: Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus Urges Calm, Fairness As The Country Votes Today
Bangladesh Election Live Updates: As Bangladesh votes in first election since the 2024 July uprising, Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus urged citizens to vote thoughtfully in today’s 13th parliamentary election and referendum, calling it a defining moment for Bangladesh.
In a message before polling, he asked parties, candidates and officials to show restraint and uphold democratic values. Yunus said the vote would reflect the country’s future system of governance and allow people to choose responsible representatives.
He said that many had long been denied voting rights and that young voters would take part for the first time. He called on authorities to ensure a peaceful, fair and fear-free voting process for all.
Bangladesh Election 2026 Live Updates: Voters Line Up As Historic Bangladesh Polls Begin
Bangladesh Election Live Updates: Bangladesh opened polling stations as voters queued to cast ballots in the country’s first general election since the student-led uprising in August 2024 that removed long-time leader Sheikh Hasina from power.
Bangladesh Election 2026 Live Updates: When will The Polling Begin?
Bangladesh Election Live Updates: Polling will be held on February 12 from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Counting of votes will begin soon after 4 pm. The Bangladesh Election Commission will announce the official results on the morning of February 13, as counting is completed.
Bangladesh Election 2026 Live Updates: Results Expected Without Delay, Says EC
Bangladesh Election 2026 Voting Live Updates: Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin has assured that vote counting will be swift and transparent, with results expected by Friday. “The voting atmosphere is very good and festive,” he said, urging parties to accept victory and defeat gracefully. Over 42,000 polling stations are operating across the country, and international observers have praised logistical preparations. The polls, coupled with the national referendum, are being described as a decisive step toward restoring full civilian rule.
Bangladesh Election 2026 Live Updates: Expatriates Vote For First Time
Bangladesh Election 2026 Voting Live Updates: In a historic first, nearly 800,000 Bangladeshi expatriates have cast their votes using an IT-enabled postal ballot system. Election officials confirmed more than half a million overseas ballots had been received by Wednesday. The initiative is part of broader electoral reforms introduced by the Yunus-led interim government. Observers from 45 countries and international organisations are monitoring the process to ensure transparency and fairness.
Bangladesh Election 2026 Live Updates: BNP Emerges As Frontrunner In Historic Vote
Bangladesh Election 2026 Voting Live Updates: With the Awami League barred from contesting, the main battle is between the Bangladesh ist Party and Jamaat-e-Islami. BNP has fielded 291 candidates, the highest among all parties. Jamaat chief Shafiqur Rahman said his party would work for “mutually beneficial” relations with India if voted to power. Young voters in Dhaka say they feel a sense of optimism, describing the polls as the first truly open election in years following the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government.
Bangladesh Election 2026 Live Updates: Massive Security Deployment Across Country
Bangladesh Election 2026 Voting Live Updates: Authorities have rolled out the largest-ever security operation in Bangladesh’s electoral history, deploying nearly 900,000 law enforcement personnel nationwide. Armoured Personnel Carriers and Rapid Action Teams have been stationed in sensitive areas, while drones and body-worn cameras are being used for the first time. Election officials say more than 24,000 polling centres are classified as high or moderate risk. The Election Commission has assured voters that “extensive coordination” is in place to ensure a peaceful and credible vote.
Bangladesh Election 2026 Live Updates: Nation Set For Crucial Vote Today
Bangladesh Election Live Updates: Bangladesh is gearing up for its 13th parliamentary elections, scheduled to be held on Thursday, with final preparations under way across the country. Nearly 127 million eligible voters are expected to cast ballots in 299 constituencies, while voting in one seat has been cancelled due to the death of a candidate. The polls will be conducted alongside a nationwide referendum on an 84-point reform package proposed by the interim government. Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has urged citizens to exercise their franchise “consciously and peacefully,” describing the upcoming vote as a key step in Bangladesh’s democratic transition.
