Post-Hasina Bangladesh Faces Major Test in Upcoming Election

With the national election approaching, the interim government under Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has announced that it will be held in February next year. South Asia analyst Michael Kugelman has stated that “post-Hasina” Bangladesh will face a significant test during this election.

In an article published in *Foreign Policy*’s South Asia Brief, Kugelman noted, “Bangladesh has long been deprived of free and fair elections, and the upcoming election will be a major test for post-Hasina Bangladesh.”

On Tuesday, August 5, Professor Yunus announced that the national election would take place in February 2026. The following day, a letter from the Chief Adviser’s office was sent to the Election Commission, requesting preparations for the national parliamentary election to be completed before Ramadan in February 2026. The letter, addressed to the Election Commission’s Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed, was signed by Chief Adviser’s Principal Secretary M Siraj Uddin Mia. It urged the commission to take all necessary measures to ensure a “free, fair, peaceful, and festive” national election within the stipulated time. Tuesday marked the first anniversary of the July-August mass uprising, during which former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled to India on August 5 last year following a student-led movement. Kugelman wrote, “After weeks of student-led protests, Hasina’s resignation came. Her authoritarian regime faced demonstrations that were met with severe repression by security forces, resulting in over 1,400 deaths.” He added that Hasina’s departure has had profound political implications for a country that was under her Awami League’s rule for over 15 years. While Bangladeshis generally feel happier and freer today, Kugelman noted that “the post-revolution honeymoon is largely over.” Under Professor Yunus’s interim government, efforts to stabilize the economy and strengthen law and order have faced challenges, he observed. Kugelman also referenced Foreign Policy’s Salil Tripathi, who wrote that a cycle of vengeful politics persists in the country. Many of those who led the movement and later joined the interim government resigned earlier this year to form new political parties. Kugelman noted that they are still striving to fulfill the ambitious structural reform promises made after Hasina’s fall. However, he said, “Progress has stalled, leaving many Bangladeshis frustrated.” In a televised address on Tuesday, Professor Yunus said, “The election is approaching. If you are away from your constituency, start visiting regularly from now on. Prepare yourself to ensure the most qualified candidate wins.” He urged citizens to remember “the fresh blood of those who restored this sacred right” when casting their votes. Yunus emphasized that February is not far off, and the preparation period will pass quickly, with voting day arriving soon. He called on everyone to participate in the election, saying, “After being deprived of voting rights for so long, let no one stay behind this time.” He added, “Let us all proudly say: I have voted in the journey to build a new Bangladesh, and this vote has taken the country forward on that path.” The Chief Adviser called on every citizen to come together to successfully pass “the first major test in building a new Bangladesh.” *Source: UNB*