Bangladesh Braces for a Volatile 2026 Election Amid Leadership Crisis
Bangladesh is heading into a turbulent political period as elections approach in early 2026. The country’s leadership faces deep divisions, with former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina sentenced to death in absentia and interim leader Mohammed Yunus struggling for credibility. A long-standing rivalry between the two has now reached a critical stage.
The conflict between Hasina and Yunus dates back to 2007, rooted in a broader ideological clash. Hasina’s Awami League, linked to the secular Mancha 71, has long opposed the Islamist Jamaat-e-Islami, which once aligned with Yunus’ factions. This tension escalated after Hasina’s government violently suppressed student protests in 2024, leading to her conviction for crimes against humanity.
The 2026 election will test Bangladesh’s fragile political landscape. Hasina’s extradition request, Yunus’ weakened position, and the BNP’s preparations all point to a highly contested race. With the Awami League retaining significant voter backing, the outcome remains uncertain—but the stakes for the country’s future are higher than ever.
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