BNP secures landslide win in Bangladesh parliamentary elections

2026-02-13 - 06:46

DHAKA – The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) secured a decisive victory in Thursday’s parliamentary elections, capturing a commanding two-thirds majority and sending a clear message of political change in the South Asian nation. According to local media reports, the BNP-led coalition won 209 out of 300 seats in the Jatiya Sangsad (House of the Nation), delivering a strong mandate for the party and its leader, Tarique Rahman, the son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. The elections were the first since the 2024 youth-led uprising that led to the ouster of long-serving Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Observers had highlighted the importance of a clear result to restore stability in Bangladesh, a country of 175 million, where months of unrest had disrupted daily life and major industries, including the garment sector. BNP calls for prayers, avoids celebrations Following the announcement of results, the BNP issued a statement urging citizens to pray for the nation’s welfare rather than participate in celebratory rallies or processions. Party sources emphasized that the focus should be on unity and peace across mosques, temples, churches, and pagodas nationwide. Rahman’s campaign had promised financial aid to low-income families, a 10-year term limit for prime ministers, boosting the economy through foreign investment, and implementing anti-corruption measures. Opposition concedes, promises constructive role Shafiqur Rahman, leader of the main opposition Jamaat-i-Islami, accepted defeat after his alliance secured just 68 seats. He pledged that his party would engage in “positive politics” rather than opposition for its own sake. The National Citizen Party, a youth-driven party that played a key role in the 2024 protests, won only five of the 30 seats it contested. Despite the BNP’s landslide, the elections were considered Bangladesh’s first genuinely competitive polls in years, with Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League barred from participating. Voter turnout appeared strong, with media estimates suggesting over 60 percent of registered voters cast ballots, compared to 42 percent in 2024. More than 2,000 candidates, including independents, and at least 50 parties contested, marking a national record. Referendum on constitutional reforms Alongside the election, Bangladesh held a referendum on proposed constitutional reforms, including establishing a neutral interim government for election periods, restructuring parliament into a bicameral legislature, enhancing women’s representation, strengthening judicial independence, and limiting the prime minister to two terms. Early reports suggested roughly 73 percent of nearly 296,000 votes cast supported the reforms. Sheikh Hasina denounces the vote Sheikh Hasina, currently in self-imposed exile in India, denounced the election as a “carefully planned farce,” calling for its cancellation and the restoration of voting rights under a neutral caretaker government. Her statement criticized the exclusion of her party and questioned voter participation. International and regional reactions Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated the BNP and Tarique Rahman on their victory. Zardari highlighted Pakistan’s support for Bangladesh’s sovereignty and democratic aspirations and emphasized strengthening cooperation in trade, defense, culture, and regional forums. Shehbaz Sharif expressed eagerness to work with Bangladesh’s new leadership to further bilateral relations and regional stability. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also extended congratulations. India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi acknowledged the BNP’s decisive win, stating it reflected the trust of Bangladesh’s citizens in Rahman’s leadership. Modi reaffirmed India’s support for a democratic, progressive, and inclusive Bangladesh.