Bangladesh Elections: Voting Begins Amidst High Security, Hasina's Party Barred

• Voting commenced in Bangladesh's crucial general election, the first since Sheikh Hasina's ouster in August 2024.
• Elections are being held in 299 out of 300 constituencies, alongside a referendum on an 84-point reform package.
• Nearly 1 million security personnel, including drones and body-worn cameras, have been deployed for security.
• The Awami League is barred; the main contest is between Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami.
• Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus urged restraint; 1,755 candidates from 50 parties and 273 independents are contesting.