The recent national elections in Bangladesh have been marked by significant developments, including a crackdown on financial irregularities and a high voter turnout. According to Independent Urdu, the elections follow the ousting of long-time Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina by a Gen Z-led uprising in 2024. The elections are crucial for stability in a country with a population of 175 million, especially after months of unrest that impacted key industries like the garment sector. As of 2 PM local time, nearly half of the voters had cast their ballots, surpassing the 42% turnout of the previous elections. The counting began immediately after polls closed, with initial results expected by midnight and full results by Friday morning. Two major alliances, led by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami, are competing, with BNP showing a slight lead in opinion polls. Both parties' leaders have expressed confidence in their victory, with Tarique Rahman of BNP stating, 'I am confident of my victory. There is enthusiasm among the people for voting,' while Jamaat's Shafiqur Rahman called the elections 'a turning point for Bangladesh.'