DAKHA – Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by Tarique Rahman, has won a sweeping victory in the 2026 national election. The party secured about a two-thirds majority in the Jatiya Sangsad, marking one of the biggest political shifts the country has seen in years.
The February 12 vote, widely viewed as the first fully competitive election in nearly two decades, came after the 2024 student-led uprising that pushed longtime Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Awami League government out of power.
According to Election Commission updates, the BNP and its allies took roughly 209 to 212 seats out of 299 directly elected constituencies. That clears the 151-seat line needed to form a government and also gives the alliance the numbers to push major changes, including possible constitutional amendments. Turnout reached about 59.44%, and many observers described the election as calm, orderly, and fair.
With this result, Bangladesh closes the chapter on 18 months of interim leadership under Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus. At the same time, it signals a return to elected rule after a long stretch of unrest, economic strain, and calls for stronger democracy.
Key Election Results (Early Totals)
- BNP-led alliance: 209 to 212 seats (a clear two-thirds majority in reported counts)
- Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) and allies: 68 to 77 seats (second place, a record showing for JI)
- National Citizen Party (NCP) and others: limited gains (some counts show 6 seats for NCP)
- Awami League: did not run, after being barred following the 2024 change in power.
Voters also weighed in on a referendum tied to constitutional reforms proposed during the uprising. Most supported changes include two-term limits for prime ministers, a move toward a bicameral parliament, and steps to expand women’s representation.
The Biggest Loser: The Old Guard Slips Further
The clearest loser was the Awami League, which held power for about 15 years under Sheikh Hasina. After deadly protests in August 2024, Hasina fled the country. Authorities later blocked the party from contesting the election, citing its role in the prior period of alleged repression and crackdowns. Hasina, now outside Bangladesh, faces multiple cases connected to governance and the violence seen in 2024.
Meanwhile, Jamaat-e-Islami posted its strongest national result as the runner-up. Still, it never came close to matching the BNP’s scale of support. Smaller parties and independents won only a handful of seats, which underlines how sharply the vote consolidated around the major blocs.
The results show broad rejection of the Awami League era, along with a strong demand for political change. Even so, critics continue to point to the BNP’s own record in government from 2001 to 2006, which remains part of the public debate.
Tarique Rahman’s Comeback Moves to Center Stage
With the win, Tarique Rahman, the son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and late President Ziaur Rahman, now stands at the center of Bangladesh’s next government. He spent years in exile while facing corruption allegations. BNP supporters, however, say those cases were politically driven. During the campaign, Rahman helped rebuild the party’s base and momentum.
Reports say he won in more than one seat, including Dhaka-17 and Bogra-6. He is expected to take office soon, possibly within days, once parliament completes the required steps.
BNP General Secretary Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said the party plans to form the government quickly. Meanwhile, messages of congratulations have already begun arriving from international leaders.
What Comes Next: Big Promises and Big Pressure
Now the BNP faces high expectations, especially as Bangladesh works to stabilize after years of uncertainty. The new government’s agenda is likely to focus on:
- Economic recovery: restoring investor confidence, supporting the garment industry, and reducing unemployment after a long period of disruption.
- Constitutional changes: carrying out reforms backed by the referendum, even though the BNP previously raised concerns about parts of the full “July Charter” plan.
- Stronger institutions: improving accountability, reducing corruption concerns, and protecting court independence.
- Foreign policy balance: managing relations with India, China, and Western partners, while keeping regional tensions in check.
- A new approach to governing: responding to youth demands and building broader participation, since young voters helped drive the 2024 uprising.
Political analysts say the BNP’s two-thirds edge creates room for major reforms. At the same time, it raises fears about overreach if leaders don’t act with restraint. Because of that, the handover from the Yunus interim administration will matter for keeping the transition smooth and credible.
After years of instability, this election has revived hopes for democratic progress in Bangladesh. As Tarique Rahman prepares to lead, many will watch closely to see whether this landslide win turns into real gains for the country’s roughly 170 million people.
