By all official accounts, Bangladesh’s national election on 12 February 2026 was historic yet controversial, held in ‘forced silence’ but described as ‘peaceful’ and festive. It was the first vote since the interim government took power eighteen months ago. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) secured a commanding majority in the Jatiya Sangsad (Parliament), and the Jamaat-e-Islami and NCP alliance came out as the opposition. A sweeping “Yes” vote prevailed in a constitutional referendum on major reforms known as the July National Charter. The Bangladesh Awami League was barred from participating in the election under its symbol, the Boat.