Vote counting begins in Bangladesh; Yunus hails democracy, Hasina’s party calls polls a farce

Counting of votes has commenced in Bangladesh’s 13th national parliamentary election and the referendum on implementing the July National Charter, following the conclusion of polling. Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus expressed gratitude to citizens for their participation and commended the smooth conduct of the election.”The spontaneous participation of voters, the responsible conduct of political parties, the restraint shown by candidates and the professionalism of all institutions involved in the electoral process collectively demonstrated that our commitment to democracy remains unwavering,” Yunus said in a statement after voting ended, Prothom Alo (a news publication in Bangladesh) reported. He further added that citizens had exercised their constitutional rights, playing an active role in shaping the country’s future.

He extended thanks to all officials involved, saying, “I extend special thanks to the Election Commission, the law enforcement agencies, the armed forces, the administration, observer teams, media personnel and all officers and staff involved in the voting process.” Yunus also urged political parties to “uphold democratic decency, tolerance and mutual respect even after the final results are announced,” stressing that Bangladesh has again proven “the people are the source of all power.”
However, tensions emerged as the ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League rejected the election as “a well-planned farce” and an “illegal and unconstitutional” exercise conducted without their participation. The party alleged that “the people’s voting rights, democratic values, and the spirit of the constitution were completely disregarded” and demanded cancellation of the polls and a fresh election under a neutral caretaker government.

Gratitude from the People’s Leader Sheikh Hasina to All Citizens, Including Mothers, Sisters, and Minority Communities, for Rejecting the Farcical Election of the Murderous-Fascist Yunus
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Today’s so-called election by Yunus, who seized power illegally and unconstitutionally,… pic.twitter.com/bPmR2z5Fc1

— Bangladesh Awami League (@albd1971) February 12, 2026

Meanwhile, security around polling stations has been reinforced. Law enforcement agencies moved political party activists and supporters away from the immediate vicinity of polling centres to ensure order, with officials instructing individuals to disperse shortly after polling ended, The Daily Star reported.Chief Adviser Yunus described the election as “a moment of great joy and celebration for us,” adding that “through it, an unprecedented journey of a new Bangladesh has begun” and calling on citizens to collectively strengthen democracy.

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