Bangladesh's February 2026 national election marks a pivotal moment in the country's political trajectory. Bangladesh Nationalist Party is back in power after nearly two decades. A mass uprising two years ago resulted in Sheikh Hasina's 15-year-long repressive reign coming to an end. It was followed by an extended interim government led by Nobel laureate Dr Muhammad Yunus.

In the wake of the BNP's landslide electoral victory, Tarique Rahman has been sworn in as prime minister. Voter turnout in the highly-anticipated election was around 60 per cent, and international observers described the polls as largely peaceful and credible. Yet, the Awami League was barred from contesting, and that effectively disenfranchised millions. Participation by women and minority groups was also reported to be low, highlighting persistent gaps in political inclusion.

The interim government under Professor Yunus attempted to undertake major institutional reforms, but skeptics argue that progress was slow and........

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