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Bangladesh Heads to 2024 Elections Amid Tightening Two-Party Duopoly

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  Published in Politics and Government on Wednesday, December 10th 2025 at 22:14 GMT by ThePrint

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Bangladesh’s looming polls: a nation split, a centre left empty

The 2024 general elections in Bangladesh, long overdue, are now slated to take place “any day now.” While the electoral commission has quietly set a tentative timetable, the political landscape in the country has become so sharply divided that the once‑vibrant centre ground has been rendered almost invisible. The article from The Print paints a vivid picture of a nation where the two dominant camps—Awami League (AL) and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)—are locked in an intense ideological and tactical rivalry, pushing smaller and more moderate forces to the periphery.

1. The countdown to the polls

The article opens with a description of the frantic atmosphere in Dhaka, as government officials and opposition leaders scramble to finalize campaign plans. The Election Commission (EC) has announced a provisional polling date, but the exact day remains fluid, subject to a host of logistical, security, and legal considerations. In the past, Bangladesh’s electoral process has been hampered by accusations of rigging, lack of transparency, and a weak oversight mechanism. The EC’s attempt to smoothen the process this time has been met with skepticism from the opposition, which fears that the ruling party will use its incumbency advantage to manipulate outcomes.

2. Polarisation: a two‑front battle

The core of the article centres on how the polarised political climate has created a “void at the centre.” The AL, led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, continues to dominate most state institutions, from the police to the judiciary, which many critics argue erodes democratic checks and balances. The BNP, on the other hand, has positioned itself as the primary challenger, accusing the government of electoral fraud and calling for a truly neutral caretaker system—an arrangement that had been abolished in 2011.

The author highlights that the two major parties have diverged on key policy issues: the AL promotes a “people’s power” agenda, emphasising welfare schemes and infrastructure, whereas the BNP stresses anti‑corruption and democratic reforms. Both camps have also become increasingly hard‑line in rhetoric, often accusing each other of undermining national security and stability.

3. The centre’s erosion

Historically, Bangladesh’s centre was anchored by the Jatiya Party and a handful of independent MPs who acted as swing votes. The article shows how the party has struggled to maintain relevance, often caught between the AL’s patronage networks and the BNP’s populist stances. In addition, the emergence of new political movements—such as the “Bangladesh Progressive Alliance”—has fragmented the centrist base, creating confusion among voters who are uncertain about the alternative to the two main parties.

The piece argues that the centre’s marginalisation has broader implications: it limits constructive debate, reduces policy options, and narrows the spectrum of political discourse. In practical terms, it means that most of the country’s political life is now dictated by a binary conflict between the ruling party and its primary opponent, leaving little room for incremental or reformist change.

4. Legal battles and civic disquiet

The article cites several ongoing court cases that could influence the electoral timeline. For instance, the High Court has been asked to examine claims that the EC’s 2024 election schedule violates the Constitution’s “separate elections” clause. Moreover, activists and civil society groups are voicing concerns about freedom of assembly, media censorship, and the possibility of vote‑rigging. The article references a recent incident in Chittagong where a group of opposition supporters were detained for organising a peaceful rally, illustrating the tense environment as the elections draw nearer.

5. International observation and domestic legitimacy

An external dimension to the story is the role of international observers. The United Nations, the European Union, and several NGOs have pledged to monitor the polls, but their reports are expected to come after the fact. The author notes that many international bodies have warned that any perceived unfairness could delegitimize the results and spark domestic unrest. At the same time, the ruling party has used its global standing—particularly its strategic partnership with China—to bolster its image as a stable, pro‑growth government.

6. The path ahead

Concluding, the article calls for a more inclusive political environment. It stresses that the only way to heal the country’s deep political wounds is to reinvigorate the centre and encourage cross‑party dialogue. The author also highlights that the upcoming elections will be a litmus test for Bangladesh’s democratic maturity: will the nation continue to function under a two‑party duopoly, or will it find a way to broaden its democratic horizon?

In sum, the Print piece offers a comprehensive snapshot of Bangladesh’s electoral drama: an election approaching under an uncertain calendar, a nation split between two polarised forces, and a centre ground that has become largely invisible. The article warns that without meaningful engagement from all political quarters, the upcoming polls could simply entrench the status quo, further polarising the country and stalling democratic progress.