Bangladeshis voted in a pivotal election for the South Asian nation after the 2024 ouster of long‑time premier Sheikh Hasina in a Gen Z‑driven uprising.

Voters are hoping for a return to democracy after 15 years of authoritarian rule under Sheikh Hasina.

The counting of votes for the Bangladesh Parliamentary Election 2026 began today, February 12, following the conclusion of polling. Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina called for the “cancellation of this voterless, illegal, and unconstitutional election” while praising voters for “boycotting and rejecting this election without the Awami League.”

Bangladesh has held its first election since the 2024 Gen Z uprising that ousted Sheikh Hasina's government. The balloting on Thursday was mostly peaceful in a vote seen as a critical test of the

The parliamentary vote is seen as a test of the South Asian country’s democracy after years of political turmoil, including Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s 2024 ouster after mass protests.

Kapur reiterated the administration’s readiness to engage constructively. The exchange highlighted both bipartisan recognition of Bangladesh’s strategic importance and differing views on how the United States should deploy its diplomatic and development resources to support democratic processes.

A Bangladeshi migrant won an asylum case because he might have been jailed for 20 years on bomb charges if deported.

Sajeeb Wazed signals possible outreach to the BNP during Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary elections, criticises Jamaat-e-Islami, and insists the barred Awami League remains politically relevant despite its absence.