BNP Secures Clear Majority in Bangladesh Parliamentary Elections

In the 13th parliamentary elections held on February 12 in Bangladesh, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) secured a clear majority. According to reports citing local television sources, BNP won 151 seats in the 300-member parliament and is leading in several others.

As per PTI reports, BNP candidates are leading in more than 175 out of 299 contested seats, placing the party on course for a decisive victory. Tarique Rahman, son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and the BNP’s prime ministerial candidate, won from both Dhaka-17 and Bogura-6 constituencies.

First Major Election After Sheikh Hasina’s Ouster

This is the first major election following the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government in August 2024. Voting took place at 42,779 polling centers from 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM. A total of 1,755 candidates from 50 political parties and 273 independent candidates contested the election.

Jamaat-e-Islami Performance

Jamaat-e-Islami President Shafiqur Rahman was leading in one seat in the capital. However, the party’s Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar lost to BNP’s Ali Asgar Labi in the Khulna constituency. Overall, Jamaat candidates were ahead in only about 30 seats.

BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury stated that crossing 200 seats would qualify as a landslide victory.

Absence of Major Female Leaders

This election marks the first in decades without a major female political leader participating. Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was barred from contesting, while former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia passed away on December 30 after a prolonged illness.

Voter Turnout and Referendum

According to Election Commission Secretary Akhtar Ahmed, voter turnout stood at 47.91% by 2 PM. Approximately 127 million registered voters participated. Alongside the election, a constitutional referendum on an 84-point reform package was also conducted.

Violence During Polls

Reports of violence emerged from various parts of the country. In Gopalganj, three people, including a 13-year-old girl, were injured in a bomb attack at a polling center. In Khulna, clashes between BNP and Jamaat workers resulted in the death of a local BNP leader. Explosions in Munshiganj briefly disrupted voting.

Awami League Absent from Ballot

For the first time in 30 years, the Awami League’s traditional “boat” symbol was absent from the ballot. After nationwide protests in August 2024, Sheikh Hasina was removed from power. The interim government banned Awami League activities in May last year, and its registration remains suspended.

Leaders React

Sheikh Hasina described the election as illegitimate and unconstitutional. Interim government chief adviser Muhammad Yunus called it a moment of national renewal. Tarique Rahman stated that restoring law and order would be a top priority if BNP forms the government. Jamaat-e-Islami leader Shafiqur Rahman emphasized acceptance of results if the process was free and fair.