Bangladesh Holds First Election Since Ousting Hasina
Did Bangladesh's election demonstrate democratic maturity or was it a farce marked by fraud and violence?
Above: Muhammad Yunus greets supporters after casting his vote in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on Feb. 12, 2026. Image credit: Abdul Goni/Anadolu/Getty Images
The Spin
Right narrative
This election demonstrated institutional maturity and responsible governance in Bangladesh. Law enforcement maintained neutrality, political parties showed restraint, and voters cast ballots without fear or disruption in a calm atmosphere that strengthened democratic institutions and public confidence.
Left narrative
The election was a complete farce marked by polling center seizures, gunfire, vote-buying and ballot tampering starting the evening before voting. Voter turnout was negligible across most centers, with many having no voters at all, while suspicious, abnormal increases appeared in voter lists, especially in Dhaka.
