Today, the nation is voting in one of the most anticipated and consequential elections of Bangladesh’s history. From 7:30 am to 4:30 pm, citizens will cast their ballots to decide the country’s future, not just for the next five years but perhaps for many years to come. They will determine not only the next government but also the fate of the constitution through a referendum. Never before have Bangladeshis cast two such crucial ballots on the same day; however, this is not the only factor making today’s election special. This poll comes after a bloody uprising that ousted Sheikh Hasina’s authoritarian government through the sacrifices of thousands in 2024. Since then, people have been eagerly awaiting this poll so as to return to the democratic process. This aspiration is primarily dependent on all parties accepting the verdict unreservedly.
The majority of voters believe that, unlike the last three elections, their ballots this time will reflect their choice. Undoubtedly, this poll is more participatory than the previous three held under the Awami League government. Regardless of whom voters supported, the results of the polls were largely predetermined. For example, in the January 2024 election, voting choices were limited to Awami League, its allies, and its dummy candidates. Ironically, AL is absent from the polls this year, and for justifiable reasons. Another factor that makes today’s voting special is the composition of young voters. Aged 18 to 37, they form 44 percent of the 12.77 crore voters and will be a decisive factor in the results. Nevertheless, the excitement to vote is evident across all age groups. Since Tuesday, many have been heading home to cast their ballots. Bus and train stations, as well as launch terminals, have been flooded with people, similar to the rush seen during Eid holidays.
The overall festive atmosphere has not been disrupted by large-scale violence compared to previous elections, though it hasn’t been completely violence-free. According to the Human Rights Support Society (HRSS), pre-election violence during the 12th national polls—from the schedule announcement date to the eve of election day—claimed seven lives and left 1,681 people injured in at least 379 incidents, whereas five people died and 603 were injured in pre-election violence between the 13th election’s schedule announcement date and February 9 (two days before the election), as per police headquarters data. Security has been beefed up across polling centres, and the visible presence of law enforcers on the streets provides assurance of a safe voting environment.
After 18 long years, people are vying for a free and fair election, one the interim government had promised when it took office on August 8, 2024. We hope the government will follow through on this particular pledge, although it faltered on many others during its 18-month tenure. It must ensure the integrity of the process as domestic and international observers, the media, and the wider world watch on. Political parties and their supporters must also aid this process by exercising restraint to protect ballots and ensure peaceful voting. And they must respect the people’s will, accept the result gracefully, and allow for a peaceful transition, as is the norm in mature democracies. Let today’s election be the turning point that transforms Bangladesh for the better.
