Supporters Of Hasina’s Banned Party Caught In Tough Spot As Bangladesh Polls Near

DHAKA, BANGLADESH — The streets of Bangladesh have ignited with political fervor as official campaigning commenced on Thursday, January 22, 2026. This landmark election is the first since the dramatic overthrow of the Sheikh Hasina government in August 2024. However, the absence of the Awami League (AL)—currently banned from participating—has left a massive vacuum in the country’s political landscape.

While the interim government, led by Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus, promises a “new dawn” for democracy, the exclusion of one of the nation’s oldest parties has sparked intense debate over the inclusivity of the upcoming vote.

1. The New Political Guard: BNP vs. Jamaat

With the Awami League sidelined, the election has effectively turned into a high-stakes duel between traditional rivals and emerging student-led movements.

• The Frontrunners: The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by Tarique Rahman (currently the leading contender for PM), has fielded 288 candidates.
• The Islamist Surge: Jamaat-e-Islami, once driven underground by Hasina, has re-emerged as a major force, contesting 224 seats.
• The “Gen-Z” Factor: The National Citizen Party (NCP), formed by leaders of the 2024 student uprising, is contesting its first election, positioning itself as a third-way alternative to the old guard.

2. Hasina Breaks Silence from Exile

In her first public address since fleeing to India, Sheikh Hasina (78) issued a provocative audio message on Friday, January 23, 2026, broadcast at a press club event in New Delhi.

• The Allegation: Hasina termed the Yunus administration a “puppet regime” and alleged that the upcoming polls would be “one-sided” and illegitimate.
• The Appeal: She urged the people of Bangladesh to “reclaim the Constitution” and “protect democracy,” while claiming the country is being pushed into an “abyss of lawlessness.”
• Legal Shadow: The address comes just months after a Bangladesh tribunal sentenced Hasina to death in absentia for crimes against humanity during the 2024 protests.

3. Gopalganj: A Bastion in Mourning

In Gopalganj, the ancestral home of the Sheikh family, the atmosphere is one of profound confusion and silent resistance.

• Loyalty Tested: Many lifelong AL supporters have indicated they will boycott the vote, refusing to choose between the BNP and Jamaat.
• The Legacy: While statues of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman were toppled in Dhaka, his memorials in Gopalganj remain guarded by locals, highlighting the deep regional divide that remains.

Election 2026: Fast Facts