India, Feb. 7 -- Bangladesh is preparing to hold its first general election on February 12. This will be a first since the student-led uprising ousted long-time Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024, marking a major shift in the country's political landscape.

Nearly 1,700 candidates are in the fray from more than 50 political parties, along with independents, who are contesting 300 parliamentary seats. Former prime minister Sheikh Hasina's Awami League, however, has been banned from participating in the elections. The general election will be held alongside a referendum on the July National Charter.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party has reportedly fielded the largest number of candidates at 288, followed by Jamaat-e-Islami with 224 can...