Dhaka, Jan. 1 -- Bangladesh joins the world in hailing 2026 with cautious expectations of a socioeconomic resurgence, as 2025 draws to a close amid historic political developments and unresolved economic strains.

The passing of former prime minister and BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia cast a long shadow over the year, yet the announcement of election schedule and the homecoming of BNP's acting chairman, Tarique Rahman, reshape the country's political landscape.

Juxtaposed together, these events have made the upcoming February polls a single-most consequential moment for Bangladesh's democratic trajectory and economic outlook.

Political analysts and economists agree the credibility and acceptance of the first post-uprising election will det...