[1] In the national elections slated for February 12, 2026, the country's Islamist forces, primarily led by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and an Islamist faction of youth leaders who emerged from the street protests of July 2024, are eyeing real power, hoping to ride on the strength of Gen Z. The Awami League is barred from elections. There are early indications that Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has left 30 seats for the NCP, the party that emerged from the protest movement. The BNP members have also done so in the past, having voted for the Awami League despite its secular outlook. As the Awami League is restricted from participating in this election, BNP is expected to win a large share of the Awami League votes.

Source: Dhaka Tribune January 06, 2026 18:55 UTC