The recent parliamentary elections in Bangladesh have marked a significant turning point in the nation’s political landscape, reflecting the desires of its citizens for change following years of upheaval and unrest. With the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) emerging victorious, the election is not just a test of governance but a profound expression of the public’s will for a more democratic and inclusive political environment. This pivotal moment paves the way for Tarique Rahman, son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, to take on the role of prime minister, heralding a new chapter in the country’s governance.
In Bangladesh, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has claimed victory in the first parliamentary elections since the student-led uprising that resulted in the resignation of long-time leader Sheikh Hasina in 2024. Unofficial results confirmed by election officials to ZezapTV on Friday indicated that the BNP secured 209 seats, far exceeding the 151-seat threshold needed for a parliamentary majority.
Tarique Rahman, son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, is positioned to become the country’s next prime minister. BNP officials stated that they anticipate forming a government by Sunday. Following the BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami achieved its highest-ever tally, winning 68 seats in the elections, marking its return following a ban since 2013, which had been lifted after Hasina’s departure.
Concerns have been raised by Jamaat-e-Islami regarding the integrity of the election process, as the party expressed dissatisfaction with the results. In contrast, the National Citizen Party (NCP), which is led by youth activists central to the anti-Hasina protests and part of a Jamaat-led alliance, managed to secure only six out of the 30 seats it contested.
The Election Commission has yet to release the official final tally but is expected to do so by Saturday. Voter turnout reached nearly 60% of registered voters, significantly outpacing the 42% turnout of the previous election in 2024. The election saw participation from a record number of over 50 parties and at least 2,000 candidates, a reflection of heightened public engagement in the political process.
Almost 127 million individuals were eligible to vote, and many expressed excitement about participating in what was perceived as Bangladesh’s first genuinely competitive election in years. An interim government led by Nobel Peace laureate Muhammad Yunus has been guiding the country since Hasina fled to India amid widespread protests.
Tarique Rahman, who returned to Bangladesh in December after a 17-year self-imposed exile in the United Kingdom, has not yet commented on the unofficial election results; however, he was seen waving from his vehicle as he left his residence in Dhaka for a mosque. In a statement, the BNP requested that celebrations be toned down and that citizens instead engage in special prayers.
The former leader, Sheikh Hasina, remains in India after being sentenced in absentia for crimes against humanity concerning her crackdown on protesters during her final months in power. The Awami League, her party, was barred from participating in the elections. BNP officials have indicated plans to request Hasina’s extradition from India.
The BNP’s manifesto centers on crucial issues such as job creation, support for low-income households, and sustainable agricultural pricing. Rahman has pledged to revive the economy, enhance regional relationships, and address corruption.
Independent South Asia researcher Abbas Faiz remarked that the election serves as a pivotal moment in assessing Bangladesh’s commitment to democratic principles. He emphasized the responsibility resting upon the new government to address the public’s desire for integrity in governance.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and the U.S. ambassador to Bangladesh, Brent T. Christensen, were among the first to congratulate Rahman on his party’s success, and China’s embassy in Dhaka also extended its congratulations to the BNP.
Furthermore, alongside the elections, a referendum on constitutional reforms took place, with 48 million voters reportedly supporting the proposed changes, including two-term limits for prime ministers, enhanced judicial independence, and increased representation for women. Early indicators, according to economist Fahmida Khatun, suggest a credible election process, with heavy security ensuring the voting was conducted peacefully across the country.
As international observers have begun monitoring the electoral process, the European Union’s Election Observation Mission is expected to provide preliminary findings on Sunday, offering insights into this transformative period in Bangladesh’s political journey.
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