Bangladesh is on the cusp of a significant political transformation as it prepares for its first national election since the 2024 uprising that ended Sheikh Hasina's 15-year rule. This election, scheduled for February 12, 2026, is particularly notable for the emergence of Gen Z as a powerful voting bloc, with over 50 million voters aged 18 to 37, representing more than 40% of the electorate, according to Al Jazeera English. The election is seen as a critical test for democratic norms and minority rights in a country that has experienced significant political turmoil, including mob violence and attacks on the press, as reported by ABC International.