Dhaka, February 13, 2026: The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) secured a commanding two-thirds majority in Thursday’s general elections, a historic victory expected to bring political stability after months of unrest following the 2024 ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in a youth-led uprising.
Preliminary results show the BNP and its allies winning at least 212 of the 299 contested seats in the Jatiya Sangsad, while the opposition Jamaat-i-Islami alliance captured 70 seats. Full official results are expected later Friday. The National Citizen Party (NCP), part of the Jamaat-led alliance, won just five of the 30 seats it contested.
The BNP, returning to power after 20 years, pledged a restrained celebration, calling for prayers for the nation rather than rallies. Party leader Tarique Rahman, widely expected to be sworn in as prime minister, promised reforms focusing on job creation, support for low-income households, fair prices for farmers, and industrial stability.
“This strong majority gives BNP the parliamentary strength to pass reforms efficiently and avoid legislative paralysis,” said economics professor Selim Raihan of the University of Dhaka. Garment workers like 28-year-old Josna Begum welcomed the promise of stability, noting the importance of uninterrupted factory operations for livelihoods.
Overnight celebrations at BNP headquarters in Dhaka saw supporters cheering the party’s landslide. Voter turnout reportedly reached nearly 60%, significantly higher than the 42% recorded in 2024, with over 2,000 candidates across a record 50 political parties participating. A concurrent referendum on constitutional reforms drew over 2 million “Yes” votes versus 850,000 “No” votes, although official results remain pending. Proposed changes include two-term limits for prime ministers, enhanced judicial independence, greater women’s representation, and the creation of a second parliamentary chamber.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan congratulated Tarique Rahman and the people of Bangladesh on the successful elections. President Zardari highlighted Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening trade, defence, cultural exchanges, and regional cooperation with Bangladesh, while the Prime Minister emphasized advancing bilateral relations and shared goals of peace, stability, and development.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar also congratulated the BNP leader, expressing confidence in Bangladesh’s continued progress under his leadership.
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his congratulations to Tarique Rahman, calling the victory “decisive” and reaffirming India’s support for a democratic, progressive, and inclusive Bangladesh.
The BNP’s win marks one of the party’s largest victories in history, surpassing its 2001 majority, and signals a potential new chapter of political stability and reform in the 175-million-strong nation.
