The centre-right Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has swept to a commanding victory in Bangladesh’s general election, marking a dramatic political shift 18 months after mass protests forced out long-time prime minister Sheikh Hasina. With more than two-thirds of parliamentary seats secured, the BNP now holds a strong mandate to form the next government.
BNP chief Tarique Rahman is set to become prime minister once newly elected lawmakers take oath. His rise signals a significant comeback after spending 17 years in self-imposed exile in London. He returned to Bangladesh shortly before the death of his mother, former premier Khaleda Zia. Rahman urged supporters to avoid victory rallies and instead offer prayers in her memory.
The election was historic for several reasons. Hasina’s Awami League was barred from contesting, while the Islamist Jamaat-e-Islami emerged as the second-largest force, securing 77 seats. Voter turnout stood at 59.44%, according to officials.
Rahman has pledged to restore democratic norms after 15 years of what critics describe as authoritarian rule. However, he faces major challenges: reviving a struggling economy, controlling rising food prices, creating jobs for millions of young people, and repairing strained ties with neighboring India.
While the result offers hope for reform, concerns remain over political polarization, women’s limited representation, and allegations of irregularities raised by rival parties. The coming months will test whether Bangladesh can translate electoral change into lasting democratic renewal.
