Bangladesh General Elections 2026: Voting Today - Crucial Turn for India & Regional Strategy - Punjabi News

Published on: 12 Feb 2026 at 06:36 AM

Bangladesh General Elections 2026: Voting Today – Crucial Turn for India & Regional Strategy

Published by: thefactnews

Bangladesh General Elections 2026: Voting Today – Crucial Turn for India & Regional Strategy

Dhaka/New Delhi, February 12, 2026
Bangladesh holds historic parliamentary polls today (Feb 12) – first since Sheikh Hasina’s 16-year rule ended. ~13 crore voters decide new government plus vote on “July Charter” constitutional referendum.

Why Critical for India?

Bangladesh = India’s strategic security & economic pivot:

Northeast Security: Hasina cracked down on Indian insurgent groups (ULFA). Will new govt continue cooperation or allow anti-India activities?
China’s Growing Sway: Beijing investments exceed $10B (₹83,000cr). Pro-China tilt threatens India’s Indian Ocean interests.
Minority Safety: Recent Hindu attacks worry New Delhi about secularism protection.

Key Contenders & India’s Stance

Party/Alliance	Leader	India Stance
BNP	Tarique Rahman	Historically mixed, now signaling improved ties
Jamaat-e-Islami (11-party)	Shafiqur Rahman	Hardline ideology; India’s biggest red line
National Citizen Party (NCP)	Student leaders	Youth-led nationalism; tough on India