Bangladesh Sets Election Date, Expands Voting to Diaspora

Bangladesh will hold its next general election on February 12, 2024. This will be the first national vote since the current government, led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, took power in a 2009 election. The country's Chief Election Commissioner, Kazi Habibul Awal, announced the date. He also confirmed a major change to voting rules. For the first time, eligible Bangladeshi citizens living abroad will be able to vote. They will use postal ballots. This decision could significantly impact the election by including millions of overseas citizens. The election will decide the 350 members of Bangladesh's parliament. The upcoming vote is seen as a key test for the nation's democratic process.