Bangladesh election: What’s at stake for India, China, Pakistan?

Al JazeeraCenterEN 11 min read 100% complete by Priyanka ShankarFebruary 2, 2026 at 01:17 PM

AI Summary

long article 11 min

Bangladesh is preparing for its first elections since the 2024 student uprising and subsequent overthrow of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The Awami League, historically close to India, is barred from participating due to its role in the crackdown on protests. The main contenders are the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami (JIB). Hasina, currently in exile in India after being convicted in absentia for her role in the deaths of protestors, has denounced the upcoming elections. Analysts say Bangladesh's relationships with India have cooled, while ties with Pakistan and China have strengthened since her ousting. The elections, scheduled for February 12, are being closely watched by neighboring countries due to the potential shift in geopolitical dynamics.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Dhaka 30% Independent University, Bangladesh 35% International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) 40% Jamaat-e-Islami (JIB) 55% Muhammad Yunus 60% China ×260% Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) 65% Pakistan ×470% Awami League ×275% India ×580% Sheikh Hasina ×485% Bangladesh ×790%

Keywords

bangladesh election 100% political transition 70% geopolitics 70% china 60% india 60% pakistan 60% sheikh hasina 50% foreign policy 50% political violence 40%