A banner with a photo of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chairman Tarique Rahman, is placed in a flower market, following the 13th general election, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, February 13, 2026. — Reuters
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has won a strong two-thirds majority in Bangladesh’s general election, marking a major political shift in the country.
According to the latest vote count, the BNP and its allies secured at least 213 of the 299 seats contested in the national parliament, known as the Jatiya Sangsad. The main rival group, Jamaat-e-Islami and its allies, won 76 seats.
This election is seen as Bangladesh’s first truly competitive vote in many years. It comes after months of unrest that followed the removal of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during a youth-led uprising in 2024.
BNP Returns to Power After 20 Years
The BNP is returning to power after two decades. In a statement, the party thanked voters and called for special prayers across the country. It also asked supporters not to hold victory rallies or celebrations.
BNP leader Tarique Rahman is widely expected to become the next prime minister. He is the son of former president Ziaur Rahman, who led the country from 1977 until his assassination in 1981. Tarique Rahman returned to Dhaka in December after spending 18 years abroad.
After Sheikh Hasina fled to India in August 2024, Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus served as interim leader.
A Vote Seen as Key for Stability
The clear result is expected to bring stability to the country of 175 million people. Months of protests and violence had disrupted daily life and affected key industries, including the garment sector. Bangladesh is the world’s second-largest garment exporter.
Manual counting of paper ballots began after polling closed and is expected to continue until at least midday Friday.
The BNP’s win of more than 200 seats is one of its largest ever, surpassing its 2001 victory when it won 193 seats. In 2008, Sheikh Hasina’s party, the Awami League, won 230 seats. However, many past elections were criticized as unfair or boycotted. The Awami League was barred from contesting this election.
Opposition Promises ‘Positive Politics’
Supporters gathered overnight outside BNP headquarters in Dhaka as the scale of the victory became clear.
Shafiqur Rahman, leader of Jamaat-e-Islami, accepted defeat and promised responsible opposition. He said his party would practice “positive politics” instead of opposing for the sake of it.
The youth-led National Citizen Party (NCP), which helped lead protests against Hasina and was part of the Jamaat alliance, won only five of the 30 seats it contested.
High Voter Turnout and Reform Vote
Voter turnout appeared higher than in the previous election. Media reports said more than 60% of registered voters took part, compared to 42% in 2024.
More than 2,000 candidates from at least 50 political parties competed in the election. Voting in one area was delayed after a candidate died.
A referendum on constitutional reforms was also held at the same time. Jamuna TV reported that more than 2 million people voted “Yes” to the proposed changes, while over 850,000 voted “No.” Official results have not yet been announced.
The proposed reforms include limiting prime ministers to two terms, strengthening judicial independence, increasing women’s representation, setting up neutral interim governments during election periods, and creating a second house in the 300-seat parliament. https://dmtn1.com/bnp-wins-big-in-bangladeshs-landmark-general-election/
