Bangladesh’s election season is unfolding with both major political forces led by successors who live abroad, face legal or political obstacles, and have yet to return home before voting.

With the Awami League facing a ban and its longtime leader, Sheikh Hasina, continuing to reside in India, senior party figures are increasingly looking toward her son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, as the next potential leader. Similarly, on the opposition side, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chairperson Khaleda Zia remains critically ill, and attention has turned decisively to her son, Tarique Rahman. The shift reflects a political field where traditional leaders are absent, and their heirs are expected to shape the next phase of national politics despite being outside the country.

A recent Prothom Alo surve

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