Bangladesh to Hold General Elections on Thursday, Army Deployed Nationwide

Dhaka:General elections will be held in Bangladesh on Thursday, with the army deployed across the country to maintain law and order. The final day of election campaigning concluded on Wednesday in Dhaka as well as other major and smaller cities.

As part of security measures for the elections, motorcycle riding has been banned nationwide from midnight for three days. Authorities say the restrictions and military deployment are aimed at ensuring peaceful polling.

A total of **1,981 candidates** are contesting elections for **300 parliamentary seats**. Major contenders include the **Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)**, **Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami**, **National Citizen Party**, and the **Jatiya Party**. To form a government, a party or coalition must secure at least **151 seats** in the 300-member parliament.

These are the first general elections since **former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and left the country in August 2024**. Following her departure, Nobel Peace Prize laureate **Dr Muhammad Yunus** assumed office as head of Bangladesh’s interim government.

Meanwhile, a recent public opinion survey has predicted a tough contest between the major political alliances. According to the survey, the **BNP-led alliance** is expected to secure **44.1 percent of the vote**, while the **Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami–led alliance**, comprising 11 political parties, may receive **43.9 percent** of the votes.