Bangladesh is at a pivotal moment. This past Thursday (Feb 12), the nation cast its votes in a crucial election, the first since the impactful 2024 uprising and the resignation of long-time Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The contest pits BNP’s Tarique Rahman against Jamaat‑e‑Islami leader Shafiqur Rahman, marking a significant turn after years of Awami League rule and setting the stage for one of its most consequential elections in decades.
Since gaining independence in 1971, Bangladesh’s political landscape has been a dynamic one, shaped by its leaders and shifting governance structures. The journey began with Tajuddin Ahmad, who led the provisional government during the Liberation War from exile, laying the groundwork for a new nation.
Soon after, in 1972, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the revered founding father, became Prime Minister. His early tenure focused on nation-building, but a shift to a presidential system in 1975 preceded his tragic assassination later that year, plunging the country into a period of instability and military rule.
Parliamentary democracy made a strong return in 1991, ushering in a new era. This saw Khaleda Zia of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) make history as Bangladesh’s first woman Prime Minister. Not long after, Sheikh Hasina, daughter of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, began her first term. These two powerful women largely dominated the political stage for decades, alternating in power.
Sheikh Hasina’s second stint, beginning in 2009, marked an unprecedented period of leadership. She became the longest-serving Prime Minister in Bangladesh’s history, her tenure stretching until her resignation in 2024. Now, with a new election underway, Bangladesh stands at a crossroads, ready to write its next chapter in a rich and complex political story.
