The national parliamentary elections in Bangladesh held on 12 February 2026 have been another important chapter in the democratic journey. It was a significant experience for me to have the opportunity to participate in those elections as an international observer. On election day, I visited various polling stations in Bancharampur constituency and Kaligunj and Kapasia upazilas of Ghazipur district and observed the voting process firsthand.

Bangladesh, an important country in South Asia, has achieved rapid economic growth and social development in recent decades. However, issues such as the poor state of human rights, vindictive politics, party polarization, and public confidence in elections have been at the center of debate from time to time.

The student movement of July 2024 brought a decisive turn in the political landscape of Bangladesh. Youth-led demonstrations across the country demanding democratic reforms, anti-corruption, and accountability ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from power. Thereafter, a civilian government formed under the leadership of Nobel Prize-winning economist Mohammad Yunus announced national elections to maintain political stability in the country, restore public confidence, and manage the transition. Against this backdrop, the parliamentary elections were seen as a matter of national and international concern.

Polling stations, security arrangements, and voter participation

In a democratic system, elections are not only a process of selecting representatives - they are also a test of public trust, institutional capacity, and commitment to the rule of law. Therefore, the atmosphere, procedural transparency, and inclusiveness on election day are considered extremely important. Most of the polling stations I visited were set up in government school buildings. Separate entry and exit routes were arranged for security. The overall atmosphere of the polling stations was calm and orderly. Voters were waiting in line, while polling officers were checking their identities and distributing ballots as per the prescribed procedure.

In my interactions with the polling station in-charge and other staff, they appeared trained and knowledgeable about the election process. They were clearly aware of voter verification, ballot management, and ballot box security. It was felt that an effort was being made to maintain procedural discipline. The presence of security forces was also balanced.

Their role seemed to provide a sense of security and stability among the voters. Voter turnout was encouraging. By noon, some centers reported a voter turnout of about 60 percent. There was a significant participation of women, which can be considered a positive sign of Bangladesh’s socio-political maturity. Gender-inclusiveness is essential for strengthening democracy. That scene indicated progress in that direction. The level of political competition, trust between parties, freedom of campaigning and the level of voter education determine the quality of elections. 

Aspects for improvement

Some polling stations were located on the upper floors of school buildings, making it difficult for senior citizens and physically challenged people to climb stairs. Physical infrastructure is very important to ensure equal access to the democratic process. In the future, consideration should be given to placing such stations on the ground floor or making structural arrangements such as temporary ramps. Separate lines or priority arrangements for senior citizens, breastfeeding mothers and unwell people were not clearly implemented. Such arrangements need to be strengthened for inclusive elections.

What can Nepal learn? 

1. Polling station management: Polling officers in Bangladesh appeared trained and confident. Although regular training is provided in Nepal, training needs to be made more practical, situational and refresher-oriented due to new manpower, so that there is uniformity in verification, ballot management and counting of votes.

2. Postal voting management: In Bangladesh, the slogan of the Election Commission was ‘Voting is a right’. Keeping this in mind, the post-voting was arranged. There was also a clear message – postal voting was arranged for those who do not have citizenship of a foreign country, who live and work abroad or employees, who cannot reach their place and vote – for them. A week was given for that and the counting of votes was arranged through QR scans. Many benefited from it. The use of technology in the election was good. Nepal should also make this arrangement, which will implement the constitutional right that ‘voting is a fundamental right’ in practice.

3. Physical accessibility: There are examples of centers on the upper floors making it inconvenient for senior and disabled voters. Wherever possible, provision of polling booths, ramps or support volunteers and clear priority lines should be ensured on the ground floor.

4. Strengthening women’s participation: Constitutional inclusion alone is not enough. Effective voter education (especially through digital and local media) targeting women, youth and marginalized communities is necessary to increase active participation on voting day.

5. Building public trust: Public trust is more important than technical success. Therefore, pre-election dialogue, stricter code of conduct, transparent information flow and independent monitoring should be strengthened.

6. Balancing security and freedom: Security is necessary, but without interference. Only the principle of ‘ensuring security, not interfering with freedom of voting’ ensures a fearless environment.

Digital politics and the rise of young voters

Digital campaigning emerged decisively in the Bangladesh elections. Social media, targeted online messages, direct digital dialogues, video campaigns established direct contact with young voters. Digital media became effective in reaching urban voters and Bangladeshi communities abroad.

The young generation raised employment, good governance, transparency and opportunity as key issues. Digital debates and alternative discussions became more effective than traditional rallies. This signaled a new trend in South Asian electoral culture – politics is now fought not only on the field, but also on mobile screens.

Message for Nepal: Towards an election of aspirations

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has won a clear majority in this election. What is noteworthy is that the nature of the competition had changed after the Awami League was excluded from the election process. This result should not be seen as just a numerical victory, but as an important turning point in the political dynamics of Bangladesh. The political polarization seen in recent years, questions raised over the style of governance, and public expectations regarding economic management and employment seem to have affected the psychology of voters.

Voters seem to have expressed new expectations for stability, economic management and institutional balance. Now the main challenge for the new government is to transform this mandate into institutional stability, economic strengthening and democratic dialogue. A clear majority may facilitate the operation of governance, but dialogue with the opposition, inclusive decision-making and protection of freedom of expression will be indispensable for long-term democratic consolidation.