Intro:
Bangladesh’s opposition party wins decisively, reshaping political landscape after turmoil.
Dhaka
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) secured a sweeping victory in Friday’s parliamentary elections, marking a dramatic political comeback after nearly two decades out of power. The result is set to reshape the country’s governance and economic direction, as party leader Tarique Rahman prepares to assume the role of prime minister at a critical moment in the nation’s history.
According to the Election Commission, the BNP and its allies won at least 212 of the 299 contested seats in the Jatiya Sangsad, also known as the House of the Nation. The opposition Jamaat-e-Islami and its allies secured 77 seats, consolidating a strong parliamentary presence. The vote has been widely described as Bangladesh’s first genuinely competitive election in years, reflecting a renewed democratic engagement among citizens.
Rahman, 60, is the son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and assassinated former President Ziaur Rahman. His political ascent comes at a time when Bangladesh is recovering from prolonged unrest and economic instability that followed the collapse of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government in 2024.
In the months since that collapse, an interim administration led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus has overseen the country’s transition. However, the political uncertainty and disruptions significantly affected key sectors, particularly the vital garment industry, which remains a backbone of Bangladesh’s export economy.
Rahman faces immediate and formidable challenges. Restoring political stability will be crucial to ensuring public confidence in democratic institutions. Equally pressing is the need to revive investor trust, which weakened during months of turmoil. Rebuilding industries, stabilizing markets, and addressing economic disruptions will test the new administration’s policy direction and leadership capabilities.
Despite clear trends in favor of the BNP for more than 12 hours, Rahman has yet to publicly comment on the outcome. The BNP has urged supporters to refrain from large-scale celebrations and instead offer special prayers, signaling a measured approach as the party prepares to transition into governance.