Dhaka: As Bangladesh braces for its general elections tentatively scheduled for February 2026, political uncertainty looms large over the nation.
A growing demand for a shift to a proportional representation (PR) system by a coalition of Islamist parties has sparked widespread protests, raising concerns about potential delays in the electoral process.
The interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus is grappling with mounting pressure from both sides of the political spectrum. While the Islamist bloc, including Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh, Islami Andolon Bangladesh, and several other religious parties, is pushing for the adoption of the PR system, the main Opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has vehemently opposed the move.
Under the current electoral framework, Bangladesh follows a first-past-the-post system, where the candidate with the highest number of votes in each constituency wins. The Parliament comprises 300 general seats and 50 reserved for women. The proposed PR model, however, would transform the entire country into a single electoral constituency, allowing parties to gain seats based on the percentage of votes they receive nationwide.
Supporters of the PR system argue that it would ensure fair representation for smaller parties and minority voices. Critics, including BNP, contend that such a drastic change ahead of the elections could destabilise the democratic process and delay the polls. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has labelled the demand as a threat to democracy and accused Islamist parties of attempting to derail the elections for political gain.
Political analysts suggest that the Islamist coalition’s push for PR is strategically timed. With the ruling Awami League barred from contesting under the interim government’s directive, BNP stands as the frontrunner. Any delay or disruption could alter the balance of power, potentially benefiting the Islamist bloc.
Adding to the tension is the rising concern among minority communities, particularly Hindus, who fear increased marginalisation amid the growing influence of radical groups. According to the 2022 census, Hindus constitute around 8% of Bangladesh’s population, a sharp decline from 22% at the time of Partition. Reports of violence and intimidation have further fuelled anxiety.
The situation remains volatile, with protests intensifying and political rhetoric heating up. While the interim government has indicated February 2026 as the tentative election window, no official date has been confirmed. Observers warn that unless consensus is reached soon, Bangladesh may face a prolonged period of political instability.
Comments are closed.