Features|Bangladesh Election 2026‘Election matters’: Bangladesh vote reaches Britain, but some feel excludedDiaspora voting opens a historic door, yet paperwork, apathy and political distrust shape how East London’s Bangladeshis see the ballot.
## Overview of the Upcoming Bangladesh Election
Overview of the Upcoming Bangladesh Election
The upcoming national election in Bangladesh, scheduled for February 12, represents a significant political event as it marks the first election since the removal of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. This election is notable for being the first in nearly two decades expected to feature genuine political competition.
Bangladesh's political landscape has historically been dominated by the rivalry between the Awami League, led by Sheikh Hasina, and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), founded by Ziaur Rahman. The BNP is now seeking to reassert its influence under the leadership of Khaleda Zia’s son, Tarique Rahman, following years of political sidelining.
In the interim, a caretaker administration led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus has banned the Awami League from participating in the electoral process.
Participation of Overseas Bangladeshis
For the first time, Bangladeshis living abroad have been granted the right to vote in national elections. This development follows extensive campaigning for recognition of expatriates' electoral rights. Over seven million expatriates have registered to vote, accounting for approximately 5% of the total electorate of around 127 million. Despite this, registration in the United Kingdom remains relatively low, with just over 32,000 Bangladeshi citizens registered to vote.
This election is notable for being the first in nearly two decades expected to feature genuine political competition.
Challenges and Participation Disparities
The process for overseas voting requires possession of a national identity card (NID) and completion of biometric registration, which has proven cumbersome for many potential voters. In contrast, participation rates are higher in Gulf states such as Saudi Arabia and Qatar, where migrant ties to Bangladesh remain strong.
In the UK, many Bangladeshis are settled with families, which affects their engagement with politics in Bangladesh.
Dual Citizenship and Political Involvement
Questions regarding dual citizenship and political accountability have arisen, particularly with regard to UK-based Bangladeshis participating in the election. While dual citizenship is permitted, constitutional provisions restrict those with foreign citizenship from standing for parliament. This has led to debates about the political involvement of expatriates and the broader implications for Bangladesh’s political landscape.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.