Bangladesh (Commonwealth Union)_ The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by Tarique Rahman, has secured a commanding two-thirds majority in Bangladesh’s general elections, marking a dramatic return to power after two decades. The result is being widely viewed as a turning point for a country that has faced months of political uncertainty following the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during a youth-led uprising in 2024. Thursday’s vote was seen as one of the most competitive elections in recent memory. By Friday morning, unofficial counts made it clear that the BNP had taken a decisive lead, winning enough seats to form a government on its own.
While the Election Commission was still processing some results, domestic television channels reported that the BNP and its allies had secured at least 212 of the 299 parliamentary seats contested. For Rahman, 60, the victory marks a deeply personal political comeback. After spending nearly 17 years in self-imposed exile in London, he returned to Bangladesh in December following the death of his mother, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. Within months, he assumed full leadership of the party and led it into an election that would redefine the country’s political landscape.
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Election results signal a shift
The scale of the BNP’s win leaves little doubt about the direction voters have chosen. The opposition Jamaat-e-Islami and its allies won 70 seats in the Jatiya Sangsad, also known as the House of the Nation. Despite mounting a strong challenge, they fell far short of the numbers required to form a coalition government. The National Citizen Party (NCP), a relatively new political force led by youth activists who played a visible role in last year’s protests, managed to win only five of the 30 seats it contested as part of the broader alliance. More than 2,000 candidates from a record 50 parties were on the ballot, alongside many independent contenders. Voting in one constituency was postponed after the death of a candidate.
By all accounts, the election drew strong public participation. Preliminary figures from the Election Commission showed voter turnout at 60.69 percent, significantly higher than the 42 percent recorded in the previous election. For the first time, members of the Bangladeshi diaspora were also able to cast their votes, while postal ballots saw an impressive participation rate of over 80 percent. Jamaat-e-Islami chief Shafiqur Rahman conceded defeat soon after the trend became clear. Speaking to reporters, he said his party would avoid engaging in opposition politics “for the sake of it” and instead focus on what he described as constructive and positive engagement.
Additionally, in parallel with the parliamentary vote, citizens were asked to weigh in on a referendum aimed at initiating constitutional reforms. Early broadcaster reports suggested that more than two million voters supported the proposed changes, while over 850,000 opposed them. Though official confirmation was pending, the early numbers pointed toward broad backing for reform.
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A campaign built on reform and relief
Throughout the campaign, the BNP positioned itself as a party committed to economic recovery and institutional reform. Rahman promised zero tolerance for corruption, a common topic in his talks, and laid out plans for monthly financial support to low-income families. The party has pledged to create millions of jobs, improve access to healthcare, and implement policies to encourage international investment. These promises were intended to appeal to those frustrated with economic conditions and political uncertainty.
Party officials declared victory on social media soon after early trends emerged, stating that the BNP was set to form the next government with a clear majority. The absence of the Awami League from the race also shaped the electoral field. With its registration suspended, the long-dominant party did not contest the election, leaving space for a reshaped political contest between the BNP and an alliance of 11 parties led by Jamaat-e-Islami.
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Global leaders offer congratulations
The scale of the victory quickly drew international attention. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Rahman, saying the outcome reflected the people of Bangladesh’s trust in his leadership. He expressed hope for sustained collaboration between the two neighbors and emphasized India’s commitment to promoting a democratic and inclusive Bangladesh. US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen praised the victors from Washington while calling this result a momentous occasion. He stated that the United States would be prepared to partner with the new administration to accomplish common objectives in the areas of economic and national security.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, praised the election’s conduct and expressed hopes for stronger bilateral relations under the new government. The rapid pace of diplomatic announcements highlighted the vote’s regional and global significance. Bangladesh, South Asia’s fastest-growing economy, is critical for regional commerce, security, and growth.
Who is Tarique Rahman?
Tarique Rahman’s political trajectory is intricately linked to Bangladesh’s modern history. He is the oldest son of former President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. Since the country’s independence, his family has led one of its two major political factions. Born in Bangladesh in the same time period as East Pakistan, Rahman witnessed war at a young age in reference to the Liberation of Bangladesh in 1971. A clear example of this is his imprisonment for a short time during the war. People who support Rahman view this example as Rahman’s link to the liberation of Bangladesh.
As a member of the BNP, Rahman experienced a rapid rise within the ranks of his political party from 2001 to 2006. During this period, he was viewed by many in the party as one of the most influential decision-makers for the BNP during their coalition government. He left the country and eventually settled in London, where he continued to participate in party activities while living abroad as well as serving as the acting chairman until his mother’s death in December 2025, at which point he assumed permanent leadership of the BNP. His return to Dhaka after more than two decades away was both symbolic and purposeful. It represented a generational shift in the BNP while preserving the party’s hereditary basis.
Challenges ahead: Repairing ties with India
Despite the joyful mood among BNP members, the new government confronts significant challenges. One of the most crucial of these is maintaining connections with India. Under Sheikh Hasina, New Delhi was Dhaka’s closest ally, with bilateral relations improving in trade, security, and infrastructure. However, relations grew strained after her government fell, with tensions surfacing in recent months. Rahman has acknowledged that there are issues to address. He has said he seeks a relationship based on mutual respect and understanding, suggesting that while cooperation remains important, Bangladesh will pursue its own interests firmly.
Beyond international policy, the new administration must keep its ambitious domestic promises. The voters expect stability, jobs, and accountable government. The BNP has the ability to bring about legislative reform given its very large majority in parliament. Whether it can translate electoral success into lasting change will define the next chapter of Bangladesh’s political story. For now, the message from the electorate is clear: after years of turbulence, they have chosen a decisive mandate and a familiar political name to guide the country into its next phase.
