DHAKA: In a major political shift, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has secured a landslide victory in Bangladesh’s historic general elections, winning 209 out of 300 seats in parliament and gaining a two-thirds majority.
According to local television channels, the BNP-led alliance dominated the polls, while the alliance led by Jamaat-e-Islami managed to win 68 seats.
These elections were held for the first time after the 2024 anti-government movement that led to the fall of the long-serving government of Sheikh Hasina. The vote was widely seen as crucial for restoring political stability in the country.
BNP chief and strong prime ministerial candidate Tarique Rahman won his constituency seat comfortably. Following the victory, the party urged supporters to avoid public celebrations and instead offer special prayers for the country’s progress and stability.
BNP’s Key Promises
In its election manifesto, the BNP pledged:
- Financial assistance for poor families
- Limiting the prime minister’s tenure to 10 years
- Strengthening the economy through foreign investment
- Strict action against corruption
Political analysts say the two-thirds majority will give the BNP significant power to introduce constitutional and structural reforms.
Jamaat-e-Islami Accepts Defeat
Meanwhile, Jamaat-e-Islami chief Shafiqur Rahman accepted the election results but expressed reservations about the transparency of the electoral process. He said his party would play the role of a constructive opposition in parliament.
The election outcome marks a decisive moment in Bangladesh’s political history, potentially reshaping governance and economic policy in the South Asian nation.