Voting is underway in Bangladesh’s high-stakes general elections, with the first two hours recording steady turnout across polling stations. Tight security arrangements are in place, and the army has been deployed in sensitive areas to ensure peaceful voting. BNP Chairperson and prime ministerial candidate Tarique Rahman cast his vote at a polling booth in Gulshan, Dhaka. After voting, he briefly addressed the media amid a heavy presence of supporters and international journalists. Rahman is contesting from two constituencies and is seen as a frontrunner if the BNP secures a majority. The main contest is between BNP’s Tarique Rahman and Jamaat-e-Islami’s Shafiqur Rahman, especially with the Awami League not participating. Rahman’s return after 17 years abroad and the recent passing of his mother, former PM Khaleda Zia, have added emotional weight to his campaign. Running on the slogan “Bangladesh Before All,” he has promised a 10-year cap on the Prime Minister’s tenure, an independent probe into the 2024 unrest, creation of a Vice President post, and major economic and social reforms.
