Bangladesh has officially begun campaigning for next month’s highly anticipated general elections, marking the first nationwide vote since the 2024 uprising ended the autocratic rule of Sheikh Hasina.

Tens of thousands of supporters of Tarique Rahman, leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), gathered in Sylhet, chanting slogans and waving flags.

Rahman, who returned to Bangladesh in December after 17 years in exile, addressed the crowd, emphasizing the importance of restoring citizens’ rights, creating jobs for unemployed youth, and supporting women’s economic empowerment.

Meanwhile, rival party Jamaat-i-Islami launched its campaign in the capital Dhaka, promising to tackle corruption and ensure equality for all citizens, while student-led groups allied with Jamaat emphasized the continuation of reform efforts initiated after the uprising.

The elections, scheduled for February 12, will determine 350 lawmakers and mark a critical step in consolidating democratic governance after years of political turmoil.

Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, who led a caretaker government following the uprising, urged voters to support a referendum on key reforms aimed at preventing a return to authoritarian rule.

While the country faces challenges, including recent acts of political violence and the spread of disinformation, observers highlight the vote as a historic opportunity for Bangladeshis to shape a more inclusive, transparent, and accountable political system.

The election represents not only a transition in leadership but also a renewed commitment to democracy, citizen rights, and social justice in Bangladesh.