DHAKA: The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) won a sweeping parliamentary election on Friday, according to local television results, securing a commanding mandate in a vote widely viewed as critical for restoring stability in Bangladesh.
The election, held on Thursday, marked the country’s first national ballot since the 2024 Gen Z-led uprising that ousted long-time prime minister Sheikh Hasina. Consequently, observers described the outcome as vital for calming months of unrest that disrupted daily life and damaged key industries, including the apparel sector in the world’s second-largest garment exporter.
Opinion polls had projected a BNP lead, and preliminary results confirmed the trend. Jamuna TV reported that the BNP-led coalition captured 209 of 300 seats in the Jatiya Sangsad, delivering a two-thirds majority. Soon after securing victory, the party thanked voters and urged restraint. It called for prayers nationwide and instructed supporters to avoid celebratory rallies.
BNP leader and prime ministerial contender Tarique Rahman campaigned on financial support for low-income families, a 10-year cap on premiership, anti-corruption reforms, and policies to boost foreign investment.
Opposition concedes as referendum awaits official outcome
Meanwhile, Shafiqur Rahman, head of Jamaat-e-Islami, conceded defeat after his alliance secured 68 seats. He pledged “positive politics” rather than symbolic opposition. The youth-led National Citizen Party won five seats.
Turnout appeared to exceed 60%, surpassing the 42% recorded in 2024. Over 2,000 candidates contested the race, while authorities postponed voting in one constituency after a candidate’s death.
Alongside the election, voters participated in a constitutional referendum. Although officials have not released final results, The Daily Star reported that 73% backed the proposed reforms.
In exile in India, Hasina rejected the vote as a “farce” and demanded a fresh election under a neutral caretaker government.
