The upcoming general elections in Bangladesh are being characterized as the first 'Gen Z-influenced' elections, with young voters playing a decisive role, as reported by Independent Urdu. This election marks a significant shift in the political landscape following the end of Sheikh Hasina's 15-year rule, which concluded after a popular uprising in 2024. The Awami League, led by Sheikh Hasina, is now out of the electoral race, with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party emerging as a strong contender. However, an alliance led by Jamaat-e-Islami is also posing a tough competition. The elections, scheduled for February 12, 2026, could potentially reshape the power dynamics in South Asia, with Bangladesh possibly strengthening ties with China and Pakistan while cooling relations with India, as noted by AFP. This shift is partly due to India's refusal to extradite Sheikh Hasina, which has strained relations with the interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus.