Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/339642 
Year of Publication: 
2026
Series/Report no.: 
SWP Comment No. 13/2026
Publisher: 
Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik (SWP), Berlin
Abstract: 
The parliamentary elections held in Bangladesh on 12 February 2026 marked a turning point in the country's recent history. In August 2024, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who had served for a total of 20 years, with one interruption, was removed from office. An interim government led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus subsequently took power. Following two years of political uncertainty, it succeeded in organising elections that were procedurally sound. Bangladesh's political system has thus demonstrated a considerable degree of institutional resilience. At the same time, the election outcome raises new questions regarding the future of democratic pluralism in the country. The decisive election victory of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) means that one of the country's two historic political family dynasties will remain at the helm of government. The Muslim fundamentalist camp gained vote share, which could negatively impact the role of women in society as well as complicate Bangladesh's renewed rapprochement with neighbouring India.
Subjects: 
Bangladesh
India
European Union (EU)
parliamentary elections
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina
Muhammad Yunus
Awami League
Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)
role of women
Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami
National Citizen Party (NCP)
Persistent Identifier of the first edition: 
Creative Commons License: 
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Document Type: 
Research Report

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