Bangladesh Election: BNP Leads, Hasina a Spoiler? 51 Parties, 2000 Candidates Vie for Power

• The 13th parliamentary elections in Bangladesh are intensifying with 51 political parties and 2,000 candidates.
• Awami League was not allowed to contest, making the election highly unpredictable.
• Tarique Rahman-led BNP is emerging as the largest party, benefiting from Awami League's absence and strong rural support.
• A hung parliament is possible, with Jamaat-e-Islami and the new student-led NCP potentially acting as 'kingmakers'.
• Sheikh Hasina could be a 'silent factor', with Awami League voters potentially abstaining or choosing a third option, causing an upset.