DHAKA, Dec 11 (Reuters) – Bangladesh is set to hold a national election in February, its first since a student-led uprising toppled long-time leader Sheikh Hasina in August 2024. Her Awami League, the South Asian nation’s largest ‍party, has been barred from contesting.

Here are the main political parties and issues shaping the vote in the mainly Muslim nation of about 173 million:

POLITICAL PARTIES

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP): Led by former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, the BNP is widely seen as the frontrunner. A December poll by the U.S.-based International Republican Institute suggested it could win the most seats.

Founded in ‌1978 by Zia’s late husband, former President Ziaur Rahman, the ‌party says it stands for Bangladeshi nationalism, economic liberalism and anti-corruptio

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