Bangladesh's parliamentary elections on February 12 are being watched closely by regional analysts due to their significant implications for security, ideology, and economics across South Asia and beyond. The stability of this country, with a population of over 170 million, is seen as crucial for regional equilibrium and international trade routes.

• Concerns exist over the potential influence of Islamist political forces, including Jamaat-e-Islami, and their impact on secular governance.
• Security specialists warn that political shifts in Bangladesh could affect counter-terrorism efforts and potentially lead to increased militant activity across borders.
• The Middle East has a direct stake due to millions of Bangladeshi citizens working in Gulf states, making diaspora communities and religious networks vulnerable to political shifts.
• Bangladesh’s ports and infrastructure are vital to global supply chains, meaning political uncertainty could undermine investor confidence and disrupt its role as a regional economic connector.