Bangladesh at the Ballot: A Nation's Democratic Test

Bangladeshis are poised to cast their votes on Thursday, in a pivotal election involving nearly 128 million eligible voters. This marks an essential step toward democracy after the collapse of Sheikh Hasina's government in 2024. The nation's future rests on resolving critical issues like corruption and inflation.

A nationwide poll highlighted corruption as the primary concern among voters. Bangladesh persistently ranks poorly in Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index. Both the leading Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami have prioritized anti-corruption agendas in their campaigns, with Jamaat's reputation significantly bolstering their comeback.

Inflation, recorded at 8.58% in January, combined with economic instability following the COVID-19 pandemic, remains a major concern. The forthcoming government faces pressure to create employment opportunities for the burgeoning young population. Meanwhile, the Awami League's election ban complicates dynamics, possibly swinging former supporters toward the BNP.