Why the ‘Biggest Democratic Process of 2026’ Bars the Awami League
The Sheikh Hasina led Awami League has been barred from participating in the upcoming Bangladesh elections. (AI generated)
After Sheikh Hasina’s ouster in August 2024, Bangladesh is all set to hold its 13th Parliamentary Election on February 12. Hasina’s Bangladesh Awami League, the country’s largest party, has been barred from contesting the upcoming elections.
This election marks a critical return to democratic governance under the supervision of the interim government led Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus. With over 127 million eligible voters, this is being hailed as the “biggest democratic process of 2026”.
Here’s a l of parties and alliances participating in the February 12 Bangladesh elections.
Bangladesh National Party (BNP)
Led Bangladesh’s former Prime Miner Khaleda Zia’s son, Tarique Rahman, the Bangladesh National Party has fielded 288 candidates for the upcoming elections. While the party wants to make a comeback, it faces tough competition from political rivals. In alliance with other parties and independent candidates, the BNP will contest on 300 seats in total.
11 Party Alliance
The 11 Party Alliance, led the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, comprises the following parties: Bangladesh Khelafar Majlis, National Citizen Party, Amar Bangladesh Party, Khelafat Majlis, Bangladesh Labour Party, Bangladesh Khilafat Andolan, Liberal Democratic Party, Nizam-e-Islam Party, Bangladesh Development Party, and the Jatiya Ganotantrik Party. It will be contesting on a total of 298 seats.
Islami Andolan Bangladesh
Islami Andolan Bangladesh, led Syed Rezaul Karim since 2008, will contest 253 seats in the country.Story continues below this ad
National Democratic Front
The National Democratic Front, an alliance led the Jatiya Party (Ershad), has fielded a total of 206 candidates in the country. While Jatiya Party (Ershad) will contest on 195 seats, the Bangladesh Sangskritik Muktijodha, Bangladesh Muslim League and the Jatiya Party (Manju) will fight on 20, 17 and 10 seats respectively.
Democratic United Front
The Democratic United Front, which comprises the Commun Party of Bangladesh, the Social Party of Bangladesh, the Social Party of Bangladesh (Marx) and the Bangladesh Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal, will contest on 149 seats in the upcoming elections.
Greater Sunni Alliance
The Greater Sunni Alliance, led the Bangladesh Islami Front, with 26 candidates, will be contesting on a total of 64 seats. The other members – the Bangladesh Supreme Party and the Islamic Front Bangladesh will both contest on 19 seats.
