Bangladesh polls: Days before vote, Jamaat and BNP workers clash, several injured

Violence shadows Bangladesh’s crucial election

With just three days to go before Bangladesh heads to the polls, fresh outbreaks of violence have underscored how fraught the election campaign has become. Late on Saturday night, clashes between activists of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami left more than 40 people injured, including several women.

The violence erupted days ahead of voting on February 12 and only hours before campaigning is due to end at 7.30 am on February 10.

Late-night clash escalates into bloodshed

According to accounts from the ground, the confrontation began when BNP workers accused Jamaat-e-Islami supporters of distributing cash at a late-night programme. BNP activists went to the venue to protest, prompting Jamaat to mobilise its own supporters.

What followed was a fierce and prolonged clash that continued well into the night, leaving over 40 people injured. Observers have described it as the most violent episode of the campaign so far between the two rival camps.

Election-related incidents have been mounting steadily in recent weeks. Over the past six weeks alone, more than five people have been injured in political violence across the country, reflecting rising tensions as polling day approaches.

A pivotal vote after years of political stagnation

The February 12 general election is being closely watched both at home and abroad. It is widely viewed as a straight fight between the BNP and a Jamaat-e-Islami-led coalition, with more than 127 million voters eligible to cast their ballots. Analysts say it is the most consequential election since 2009.

The vote follows the mass uprising of August 2024 that ended Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year rule and resulted in the Awami League being barred from contesting. Many voters believe this could be the first genuinely competitive election in more than a decade.

BNP chief Tarique Rahman told Reuters that his party, which is contesting 292 of the 300 seats, is confident of securing enough seats to form the next government.

Promises of a fair poll, concerns over trust

Interim Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has sought to reassure voters, describing the election and an accompanying referendum on reforms as a “grand festival”. He has pledged the most free, fair and peaceful vote in Bangladesh’s history and said it would lay the foundation for a “new Bangladesh”.

Still, analysts warn that continued violence could undermine public confidence in the electoral process at a critical moment.

Economic and geopolitical stakes

The outcome of the poll is expected to have a significant bearing on Bangladesh’s economic recovery after months of unrest that disrupted key sectors such as garments and forced the country to seek external support from the IMF and World Bank.

It may also reshape regional geopolitics. China’s influence has grown since Hasina, who was seen as close to India, fled to New Delhi. Some observers regard the BNP as relatively closer to India, while a Jamaat-led government could tilt towards Pakistan. Jamaat, for its part, has said it is not aligned with any country.

Parvez Karim Abbasi of Dhaka’s Centre for Governance Studies said opinion polls currently give the BNP an edge, but many voters remain undecided. “How Generation Z votes will carry considerable weight,” he said.

First-time voters seek their voice

For many young and first-time voters, the election represents a rare chance to reclaim political space after years of disenchantment.

“People couldn’t even vote during national elections. People had no voice,” Mohammad Rakib, 21, told Reuters. “I hope the next government, whoever comes into power, will ensure this freedom of expression.”

Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary elections will be held on February 12, 2026. Campaigning began on January 22, with results expected to be announced on February 13.