Bangladesh votes for change as BNP wins clear majority; Tarique Rahman set to be PM

Bangladesh’s latest general election has delivered a decisive mandate to the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), positioning Tarique Rahman to become the country’s next prime minister after nearly two decades out of power.

Post Published By: Sona Saini

Updated : 13 February 2026, 8:19 AM IST

Tarique Rahman Emerges Frontrunner After BNP’s Historic Victory

Dhaka: The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) performed resoundingly in Bangladesh's recent general elections, moving closer to a clear majority. According to unofficial results, the party and its allies won a majority of seats, paving the way for a return to power after nearly two decades.

Tarique Rahman Likely to Become Prime Minister

The BNP has already announced that Tarique Rahman will be appointed the country's next Prime Minister in the event of victory. He is the son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and won the election by a large margin from his home district of Bogura. The election results indicate strong support for his leadership.

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Direct Contest in the Absence of the Awami League

With former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's party, the Awami League, absent from the electoral fray, the contest was primarily between the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami. According to unofficial figures, the BNP alliance won over 200 seats, while Jamaat and other parties lagged behind.

Results in Key Leaders' Seats

BNP General Secretary Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir also secured a remarkable victory in his constituency. Meanwhile, several senior Jamaat leaders faced tough competition and even lost in some key seats. These results signal a shift in the country's political direction.

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Referendum and Security Arrangements

The 13th parliamentary election was accompanied by a referendum on a comprehensive reform package. A large number of security personnel were deployed to ensure a peaceful vote, in what is considered the largest security deployment in the country's electoral history.

Expectations from New Government

The potential return of the BNP has raised expectations for political and economic change in the country. The public is expecting improvements in inflation, employment, and governance. All eyes are now on the official results and the formation of a new government, which will determine Bangladesh's future course.