New Delhi, Feb 9 (NationPress) Bangladesh is just two days away from an election deemed one of the most significant since its independence in 1971. The 13th national election is scheduled for Thursday, February 12, where citizens will choose their next government and Prime Minister.

The Awami League is currently banned following its ousting in August 2024 due to a student-led protest, leading to a competition primarily between two dominant factions: one led by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and the other by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami. For years, Sheikh Hasina, the leader of the Awami League, has been criticized for marginalizing opposition parties, resulting in boycotts or arrests of key leaders.

Hasina now finds herself seeking asylum in India, with her party facing a prohibition and a death order issued against her.

The minority communities are also living in fear, with numerous cases of Hindu lynchings reported by local media. Approximately 12.8 crore registered voters will cast their ballots at 42,779 polling booths, representing 60 political parties recognized by the electoral commission.

This election cycle is particularly influenced by the Gen Z voters, whose decisions could reshape the political landscape, diplomatic relations, and Bangladesh’s future role in maintaining regional equilibrium.

Analysts suggest that the BNP may foster stronger ties with India, in contrast to Jamaat, which may gravitate towards Pakistan. Jamaat’s younger allies have been vocal in criticizing “New Delhi’s dominance” and have been engaging with Chinese diplomats.

Current reports and opinion surveys indicate a slight advantage for the BNP, though Jamaat may still surprise with a strong performance. The Jamaat has faced legal challenges over its alleged role in supporting Islamabad during the 1971 conflict, which led to a ban imposed by Hasina's government following a court ruling.

However, under the Yunus-led interim administration, the ban was lifted, and the party regained its registration following a Supreme Court decision.

On the same day as the election, a referendum regarding the “July Charter” (constitutional reforms) will take place, requiring voters to respond with a collective “yes” or “no” to a suite of reforms aimed at overhauling Bangladesh's governance and democratic framework.

For years, the Awami League, under Sheikh Hasina, has dominated the political scene in Bangladesh from 2008 to 2024. Throughout this period, opposition parties, such as the BNP and Jamaat, have frequently boycotted elections, citing political repression and the arrest of their leaders. This time, with the Awami League prohibited from engaging in political activities post-Hasina's ousting, the electoral battle is predominantly between the BNP and Jamaat alliances.

The first election held in 1973 after Bangladesh's independence saw the Awami League, led by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, claim 292 out of 300 seats in Parliament. Following Mujib’s assassination in 1975 and the military rule of General Ziaur Rahman, the BNP emerged victorious in the 1979 elections, solidifying its political clout.

In subsequent elections, the opposition often boycotted, leading to contested legitimacy. The BNP secured victories in the 1991 and 1996 elections, while the Awami League returned to power amidst controversies and protests. The 2001 elections once again saw a BNP-led alliance gaining dominance.

In the aftermath of a military-backed caretaker regime (2007–2008), Sheikh Hasina returned as Prime Minister. The Awami League won again in 2014, with the opposition boycotting, amid reports of widespread violence. In 2018, Hasina was reelected amidst accusations of political oppression and electoral fraud, capturing 288 of 300 seats. Throughout these years, Bangladesh's politics has witnessed several interventions, takeovers, and coups.