Bangladesh Braces For Historic February 12 Polls Amid Tight Security And Minority Concern

Bangladesh is set for a crucial parliamentary election on February 12, the first national vote since former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was forced to resign following a student-led uprising in 2024. With preparations entering the final stage, authorities say extensive security and logistical arrangements are in place to ensure peaceful polling. Results are expected on February 13.

More than 12.77 crore voters will cast ballots across 42,779 polling stations to elect representatives for 299 of the 300 parliamentary seats, with one constituency postponed due to a candidate’s death. Voting will take place from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm. Alongside the election, voters will also participate in a national referendum on the July National Charter, proposing major constitutional reforms.

Heavy security deployment 

The Election Commission has expressed satisfaction with the overall law-and-order situation. Police have deployed a three-tier security system involving static forces, mobile patrols and rapid-response units. Over 1.87 lakh police personnel have been assigned election duties nationwide. International observers, including the European Union’s largest-ever mission to Bangladesh, have described the pre-poll environment as positive and hopeful.

Despite assurances, concerns remain among minority communities in certain regions over possible post-poll violence. The contest is mainly between alliances led by the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami, making the election a defining moment for Bangladesh’s democratic future and regional stability.