Bangladesh 13th Parliamentary Election and Referendum 2026

13th National Parliamentary Election and Referendum 2026

12 February 2026

13th National Parliamentary Election and Referendum 2026

12 February 2026

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Bangladesh's 12th National Parliament Elections on 12 February 2026. BNP and its allies have boycotted this election on the demand of caretaker government. Since gaining independence, Bangladesh has held a total of 12 parliamentary elections for its 300 constituencies over 54 years. The Constitution of Bangladesh, enacted in 1972, established a multi-party parliamentary system, paving the way for the country’s first national election in March 1973. Four elections—1979, 1986, 1988, and 1991—were conducted under a presidential system. All other elections, including the first in 1973 and those held after 1991, took place under the parliamentary system. The history of Bangladesh’s parliamentary elections reflects the strength of the country’s democracy and the critical role of voters. Each election has ensured the balance of power, representation, and the functioning of the government.

At a glance

parliamentary elections held since independence
Total constituencies: 300

elections held under a presidential system
1979, 1986, 1988, 1991

The Constitution (1972) established a multi-party parliamentary system; the first national election was held in March 1973.

Governments formed

BAL

Bangladesh Awami League
1st, 7th, 9th–12th
6 Times

BNP

Bangladesh Nationalist Party
2nd, 5th, 6th, 8th
4 Times

Jatiya Party
3rd, 4th
2 Times

Elections at a glance

12th (2024) — 28 parties | Winner: Awami League (224)

11th (2018) — 51 parties | Winner: Awami League (258)

10th (2014) — 12 parties | Winner: Awami League (234)

9th (2008) — 38 parties | Winner: Awami League (263)

8th (2001) — 54 parties | Winner: BNP (195)

7th (Jun 1996) — 81 parties | Winner: Awami League (146)

1st

Election

7 March 1973

Voters: 35.2m | Turnout: 54.9%

Winner: Awami League (73.2%)

Runner-up: JSD (6.5%)

2nd

Election

18 February 1979

Voters: 38.4m | Turnout: 51.3%

Winner: BNP (41.2%)

Runner-up: Awami League (24.5%)

3rd

Election

7 May 1986

Voters: 47.8m | Turnout: 61.3%

Winner: Jatiya Party (42.3%)

Runner-up: Awami League (26.2%)

4th

Election

3 March 1988

Voters: 49.9m | Turnout: 52.5%

Winner: Jatiya Party (68.4%)

Runner-up: Combined Opposition (12.6%)

5th

Election

27 February 1991

Voters: 62.18m | Turnout: 55.45%

Winner: BNP (30.81%)

Runner-up: Awami League (30.08%)

6th

Election

15 February 1996

Voters: 56.71m | Turnout: 21.01%

Winner: BNP (~90%, amid major boycott)

Runner-up: -

7th

Election

12 June 1996

Voters: 56.71m | Turnout: 75.59%

Winner: Awami League (37.44%)

Runner-up: BNP (33.6%)

8th

Election

1 October 2001

Voters: 74.94m | Turnout: 74.96%

Winner: BNP-Lead Alliance (40.97%)

Runner-up: Awami League (40.13%)

9th

Election

29 December 2008

Voters: 81.08m | Turnout: 87.13%

Winner: Awami League-Lead Alliance (48.04%)

Runner-up: BNP (32.5%)

10th

Election

5 January 2014

Voters: 91.96m | Turnout: 40.04%

Winner: Awami League (72.14%)

Runner-up: Jatiya Party (7%)

11th

Election

30 December 2018

Voters: 104.19m | Turnout: 80.0%

Winner: Awami League-Lead Alliance (76.86%)

Runner-up: Jatiya Party (5.38%)

12th

Election

7 January 2024

Voters: 119.6m | Turnout: 41.8%

Winner: Awami League (75%)

Runner-up: Independents (15%)

Election Related News

Mirza Abbas returns home today after medical treatment

BNP leader Mirza Abbas returns home to Dhaka after five months of medical treatment in Singapore and Malaysia. His recovery signals hope for supporters.

Mirza Abbas returns home today after medical treatment

BNP leader Mirza Abbas returns home to Dhaka after five months of medical treatment in Singapore and Malaysia. His recovery signals hope for supporters.