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Last Updated:February 12, 2026, 23:09 IST
Bangladesh Election 2026 Voting Live Updates: BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami emerge as main contenders in Awami League’s absence.
Early trends show that BNP is leading in the elections. (AFP)
Bangladesh General Election 2026 Voting Live Updates: Voting concluded in Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary elections, a key moment in the country’s political journey. The elections were held 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 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.
Bangladesh Election 2026 Live Updates: BNP Chief Tarique Rahman Wins Bogra-6 seat
Bangladesh Party (BNP) chief Tarique Rahman, former Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia’s son, has won the Bogra-6 constituency, according to the party’s Facebook page.
Bangladesh Election 2026 Live Updates: 'Democracy Will Cease To Exist If Jamaat Comes To Power,' Says Taslima Nasreen
Bangladeshi writer and activist Taslima Nasreen says democracy will cease to exist if Jamaat comes to power.
Bangladesh Election 2026 Live Updates: ‘Will Reach Out To BNP’: Hasina’s Son Reveals Next Move
“BNP is the major party in Bangladesh. We are going to reach out to them soon,” former PM Sheikh Hasina’s son says while promising Awami League’s comeback. Read More
Bangladesh Election 2026 Live Updates: Jamaat May Bag More Seats As Progressive Parties Not Allowed To Contest, Says Sajeeb Wazed
“All progressive parties in Bangladesh were not allowed to campaign that’s why Jamaat has a good chance to win more seats in this election,” says Sajeeb Wazed.
Bangladesh Election 2026 Live Updates: 'BNP Has No Real Opposition To Fight Against,' Says Ex-PM Hasina's Son
In an interview with CNN News18, Sajeeb Wazed, former PM Sheikh Hasina’s son, said the BNP has an open field in the elections as there is no real opposition.
Bangladesh Election 2026 Live Updates: BNP Leads By 24 Seats, Jamaat Bags 12 Seats As Counting Continues
While BNP is leading by 24 seats, Jamaat has secured 12 seats as of now. The counting of votes continues.
Bangladesh Election 2026 Live Updates: BNP, Jamaat Alliance Bag One Seat Each
The BNP and Jamaat alliance have bagged one seat each, according to Desh Rupantor. BNP alliance has secured 46.7% of the votes counted till now and the Jamaat-e-Islami and partners has bagged 48.5% of the votes
Bangladesh Election 2026 Live Updates: Sheikh Hasina Demands Cancellation Of Polls
Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday demanded “cancellation of this voterless, illegal, and unconstitutional election” while lauding voters for “boycotting and rejecting this election without the Awami League”.
Bangladesh Election 2026 Live Updates: Over 47% Voter Turnout Recorded Till 2pm
Bangladesh Election Commission (EC) Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed said the 13th general elections concluded at 4:30pm (Bangladesh time) with a voter turnout of 47.91% till 2pm.
Bangladesh Election 2026 Live Updates: 'There Will Be Difference Of Opinion But Must Remain United,' Says Yunus
After the voting ended, Chief Advisor of the Interim Government Prof. Muhammad Yunus said: “I appeal to political parties and candidates—to democratic modesty, tolerance and mutual respect remains unbroken even after final result was announced. There will be a difference of opinion, but we must remain united in national interest.”
Bangladesh Election 2026 Live Updates: MEA Says India Stands For Free And Fair Elections
As the voting ended, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said: “India stands for free, fair and credible elections in Bangladesh. Lets wait for results.”
Bangladesh Election 2026 Live Updates: BNP Leader Dies At Khulna Polling Station; Party Alleges Jamaat Attack
BNP leader Mohibuzzaman Kochi, 60, died at a polling station in Khulna while going to cast his vote. The incident occurred around 9 am at the Khulna Alia Madrasa polling centre. Kochi, former office secretary of Khulna Metropolitan BNP, reportedly opposed vote-seeking inside the centre. BNP alleges that members of rival Jamaat supporters pushed him, causing him to fall and hit his head. He was taken to a private medical college hospital, where he was declared dead. BNP said Kochi had a history of heart disease. Tensions had been reported at the centre, with Alia Madrasa principal Abdur Rahim allegedly campaigning for Jamaat.
Bangladesh Election 2026 Live Updates: What Is Bangladesh Voting For?
Bangladesh voters are casting ballots on four key reforms, including new constitutional bodies and a bicameral parliament requiring upper house approval for amendments. Other questions cover 30 charter reforms, such as prime ministerial term limits, stronger presidential powers, and additional changes reflecting political parties’ election promises.
Bangladesh Election 2026 Live Updates: 32.88% Turnout by Noon Across 32,789 Polling Centres
The Bangladesh Election Commission reported a 32.88 percent voter turnout by noon today at 32,789 polling centres, covering roughly 77 percent of the total polling stations, reflecting moderate participation midway through the day.
Bangladesh Election 2026 Live Updates: Bangladesh Marks Voters’ Left Thumb With Ink During Polls
In Bangladesh, voters’ left thumb is marked with indelible blue ink after voting to prevent fraud, unlike India which inks the finger.
Bangladesh Election 2026 Live Updates: ‘Not Dynasties, Not Clerics’, Says Tasleema Nasreen On Bangladesh Polls
Exiled novelist Taslima Nasreen shared her views on Bangladesh’s election, voicing strong opposition to Jamaat-e-Islami and religion-based politics.
In a post on X, she said if the BNP wins, Jamaat could become the main opposition for the first time because the Awami League has been banned. Nasreen said she hoped the elected government would unban the Awami League so that opposition comes from secular or left-leaning parties, not religious ones. She opposed both dynasty politics and clerical influence, saying Bangladesh needs new secular leadership committed to women’s rights, human rights, universal education, universal healthcare, and free speech.
If the BNP wins, Jamaat-e-Islami will become the main opposition for the first time in Bangladesh’s history. This happens only because the Awami League has been banned.
I hope the elected government unbans the Awami League, so that the opposition comes from secular or…
— taslima nasreen (@taslimanasreen) February 12, 2026
Bangladesh Election 2026 Live Updates: Two Blasts Reported At Polling Centres In Gopalganj And Munshiganj
Three people, including two Ansar members and a child, were injured in a crude bomb explosion at a polling centre in Gopalganj on Thursday morning. The blast took place around 9:00 am at the Reshma School polling centre in the Nichupara area, Additional Superintendent of Police Md Sarwar Hossain told The Daily Star.
Also, another crude bomb explosion followed by a chase and counter-chase took place at Makhati Gurucharan High School in Munshiganj Sadar around 10:00 am, confirmed OC Md Mominul Islam.
The injured were identified as Ansar members Sukanto Majumdar and Jamal Molla, and 13-year-old Amena Khanum, daughter of Ashraf Ali Mishu from Arambag in the town.
Bangladesh Election 2026 Live Updates: Journalists Covering Polls Attacked In Noakhali
Bangladesh Television reporter Miraj Uddin was seriously injured in an attack by BNP leaders and activists while covering news in Noakhali-6 constituency.
Bangladesh Election 2026 Live Updates: ‘Nightmare Ends, New Dream Begins’ - Yunus Calls Bangladesh Vote ‘Day Of Freedom’ After 2024 Turmoil
Bangladesh’s interim leader Muhammad Yunus said Thursday’s election, the first since the deadly 2024 uprising, marked the end of a “nightmare” and the beginning of a new chapter for the country. Speaking after casting his vote in Dhaka, the 85-year-old Nobel Peace Prize winner described the day as one of freedom and renewal for the nation.
Yunus, who will step down once a new government is formed, said the vote symbolised hope after months of turmoil and uncertainty. “This is a day of freedom,” he said as quoted by AFP. “Through this, we have ended the nightmare and begun a new dream,” he told reporters.
Bangladesh Election 2026 Live Updates: Tasnim Jara Alleges Polling Agents Blocked At Dhaka-9 Centres
According to Bangladesh’s Daily Star report, independent Dhaka-9 candidate Tasnim Jara alleged that her polling agents were obstructed at several voting centres on polling day. She claimed many were denied entry or forced out on what she described as “baseless and fabricated” grounds, questioning the conduct of voting.
Bangladesh Election 2026 Live Updates: 'Will Not Spare Anyone' - Jamaat Chief Shafiqur Rahman Warns Against Vote Rigging
Bangladesh Election 2026 Live Updates: Clashes Erupt Between BNP, Jamaat Supporters In Dhaka’s Mirpur-10
Bangladesh Election 2026 Live Updates: Chief Adviser Of Bangladesh Interim Government Muhammad Yunus Casts Vote
Chief Adviser of the interim government of Bangladesh, Muhammad Yunus, cast his vote for the 13th Parliamentary elections, at a polling centre in Dhaka.
Bangladesh Election 2026 Live Updates: Tarique Rahman Pledges Women’s Safety, Strong Law And Order If BNP Wins
BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman said ensuring the safety and security of women would be a key priority if his party wins the election. Speaking to reporters outside a polling station in Gulshan, Dhaka, he referred to incidents of violence reported the previous night and said law enforcement agencies had acted to bring the situation under control.
Rahman urged voters to turn out in large numbers, saying that public participation would defeat any conspiracy. He stressed that restoring law and order across the country would be central to the BNP’s plans. “We will ensure everyone feels safe in Bangladesh,” he said, adding, “We cannot leave women behind. Our priority will be to ensure the safety and security of women.”
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.
