The February 2026 Bangladesh election was the first since the 2024 uprising that overthrew which prime minister?

The February 2026 Bangladeshi general election marked a significant turning point for the nation, as it was the first since the July uprising of 2024 that led to the overthrow of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Hasina, who had been at the helm of Bangladesh's government for 15 years, resigned on August 5, 2024, amidst widespread protests and a non-cooperation movement, subsequently fleeing the country. Her departure paved the way for an interim government and a new electoral landscape.

The 2024 uprising, also known as the "Monsoon Revolution" or "July Uprising," began as student-led demonstrations protesting a controversial government job quota system. However, the movement rapidly escalated into a full-scale anti-government rebellion following a violent crackdown by security forces, which resulted in numerous deaths, an event referred to as the "July massacre." Public discontent grew over accusations of authoritarianism, human rights abuses, and economic mismanagement during Hasina's long tenure, transforming the initial quota protests into a broader call for her resignation and democratic reforms.

Following weeks of intense protests and civil disobedience, Hasina ultimately resigned as immense crowds surrounded her residence and office in Dhaka. An interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, was then established to oversee the transition and implement institutional and electoral reforms. Notably, Hasina's Awami League party was banned from participating in the February 2026 election, which saw the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) secure a landslide victory, ushering in a new era of political leadership for the country.