Bangladesh has entered a new political chapter after the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) secured a sweeping victory in the country’s first parliamentary election since the dramatic 2024 Gen Z-led uprising.
The result marks a major turning point for the South Asian nation of 175 million people, following months of unrest that reshaped the country’s political landscape.
BNP Secures Landslide Victory
According to local television channels including Jamuna TV, the BNP-led coalition won 209 seats in the 300-member Jatiya Sangsad, giving it a commanding two-thirds majority.
Key Highlights of the Result:
209 seats won by BNP-led alliance
Two-thirds majority in parliament
More than 2,000 candidates contested
At least 50 political parties participated — a national record
Voter turnout expected to exceed 60%
The vote, held on Thursday, was widely viewed as critical to restoring stability after the 2024 youth-led protests that forced long-time Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from power.
A Historic Vote After Youth-Led Uprising
This election was Bangladesh’s first national vote since the 2024 uprising led largely by under-30 voters. The protests disrupted daily life and severely impacted industries, including the garment sector — a backbone of the economy. Bangladesh is the world’s second-largest garment exporter.
The political turmoil also strained diplomatic ties with neighbouring India, where Hasina is currently in self-imposed exile.
Observers say a clear and decisive result was essential to prevent further instability in the Muslim-majority nation.
Who Leads the BNP?
The BNP is headed by Tarique Rahman, a 60-year-old political figure and son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and former President Ziaur Rahman.
He is widely expected to become the country’s next prime minister.
BNP’s Key Election Promises:
Financial support for low-income families
A 10-year limit for any individual serving as prime minister
Policies to boost foreign investment
Stronger anti-corruption measures
Governance reforms to stabilise the economy
After the victory became clear, BNP issued a statement thanking voters and urging supporters not to organise victory rallies. Instead, the party called for special prayers across mosques, temples, churches and pagodas.
Jamaat-e-Islami Concedes Defeat
The BNP’s main rival, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, accepted the results.
Its leader, Shafiqur Rahman, said his alliance secured just 68 seats.
He promised a constructive approach in opposition, stating:
“We will do positive politics.”
Meanwhile, the National Citizen Party (NCP), led by youth activists who played a key role in the uprising, won only five out of 30 contested seats.
Awami League Barred from Contesting
One of the most controversial aspects of the election was the exclusion of the Awami League, which ruled Bangladesh for over 15 years before Hasina’s removal.
Hasina criticised the election process from exile in India, calling it:
“A carefully planned farce.”
She demanded:
Cancellation of the election
Restoration of her party’s political activities
A fresh, neutral caretaker-led vote
However, critics of her administration argue that previous elections under her leadership were marred by boycotts and intimidation.
Referendum on Major Constitutional Reforms
Alongside the general election, voters also participated in a national referendum covering significant constitutional changes.
Proposed reforms included:
Establishing a neutral interim government during election periods
Creating a bicameral parliament
Increasing women’s representation
Strengthening judicial independence
Introducing a two-term limit for the prime minister
According to reporting by The Daily Star, around 73% of nearly 296,000 referendum voters supported the reforms.
Official confirmation of the referendum outcome is still pending.
Regional Impact and Geopolitical Shifts
The election has implications beyond Bangladesh’s borders.
Relations between Dhaka and New Delhi have cooled since Hasina’s exile in India.
Analysts suggest China may expand its influence in Bangladesh amid the shifting political landscape.
Nepal is also preparing for elections next month, as youth-driven political movements gain momentum across South Asia.
What Happens Next?
With a strong parliamentary majority, the BNP government will now face high public expectations.
Key challenges ahead include:
Restoring investor confidence
Rebuilding international diplomatic ties
Addressing youth unemployment
Stabilising key industries, especially textiles
Ensuring political inclusivity after a divisive period
For many Bangladeshis, this election represents hope for stability after a turbulent year. But the real test will lie in how the new leadership governs in the months ahead.
Sources
Reuters (Dhaka bureau)
Jamuna TV
The Daily Star
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