I went halfway across Dhaka, in a rickshaw, spending way too much money, to my polling centre. In fact, if I were being perfectly honest, regardless of who wins, I am not exactly hopeful. Yet, the fact that I did vote, and went out of my way to vote, must mean something. However, for millions like us, even for the jaded cynics such as myself, February 12 offered at least a glimpse of what a functional democracy could be as far as elections are concerned. And that is reason enough for hope, if only momentarily.

Source: Dhaka Tribune February 12, 2026 16:32 UTC