DHAKA,: Bangladesh’s opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party on Friday secured a decisive victory in parliamentary elections, marking its return to power after nearly two decades and clearing the way for party leader Tarique Rahman to become the country’s next prime minister. The result comes as Bangladesh emerges from months of political unrest and economic strain.
Rahman, the son of former prime minister Khaleda Zia, returned to Dhaka in December after spending almost 20 years abroad. He now faces the immediate task of restoring political stability, reviving investor confidence and rebuilding key sectors of the economy, including the vital garment industry, after prolonged turbulence following the collapse of Sheikh Hasina’s government last year.
Early vote counts from local television channels showed the BNP and its allies winning at least 212 of the 299 parliamentary seats contested. The opposition Jamaat-e-Islami and its allies were reported to have secured around 70 seats in the Jatiya Sangsad, or House of the Nation.
According to figures released by the Election Commission, the BNP was leading or had won 181 seats, Jamaat-e-Islami 61 seats and other parties seven seats. Officials said counting was still under way in several constituencies, with full official results expected within hours.
While preliminary outcomes are largely clear, the commission said the formal gazette notification confirming the results could take several days. Under Bangladesh’s constitution, the new government cannot be sworn in until this notification is issued, potentially delaying the formation of the next administration.
Soon after election trends pointed to a sweeping victory, the BNP thanked its supporters and called for special prayers on Friday for the country and its people, urging calm as the process moves towards completion.
