Intro:
India welcomes BNP win as Jamaat records surge.
New Delhi
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is poised to form the next government in Bangladesh following a sweeping victory in the parliamentary elections held on February 12. The polls were conducted in the absence of the Awami League, led by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, dramatically altering the electoral landscape.
With the Awami League out of the contest, the BNP secured what is being described as a landslide mandate. Meanwhile, the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami (Jamaat) is expected to emerge as a distant second, marking a significant shift in parliamentary representation.
India has closely watched the developments, expressing optimism over the BNP’s return to power. New Delhi has historically found it easier to engage diplomatically and economically with the BNP compared to the Jamaat, which is widely perceived as holding anti-India positions. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among the first global leaders to congratulate BNP chief Tarique Rahman.
In his message, Modi conveyed warm congratulations to Rahman for leading the party to a decisive victory, stating that the mandate reflected the trust of the Bangladeshi people in his leadership. He reaffirmed India’s support for a democratic, progressive, and inclusive Bangladesh and expressed his eagerness to strengthen multifaceted bilateral relations while advancing shared development goals.
While the BNP’s win is seen as a positive development for India, analysts caution against overlooking the remarkable surge of the Jamaat. Historically, the party’s parliamentary presence had been limited. It won ten seats in 1986, none in 1988, and 18 seats in 1991—its highest tally until now. The Jamaat boycotted the 1996 elections and did not contest the 2014, 2018, or 2024 polls.
However, the 2026 elections mark a turning point. The Jamaat is projected to win close to 70 seats, representing a dramatic rise in influence. Observers attribute this growth partly to its proximity to the interim government headed by Muhammad Yunus. Its recent strong performance in student union elections further signaled this upward trajectory.
