The Bangladesh Nationalist Party is on course for a sweeping return to power in the country’s 13th national election, leading in 181 constituencies as of 9:30 am, based on unofficial counts and party tallies.
After nearly two decades in the opposition, the BNP described the outcome as an overwhelming public mandate and expressed confidence that it will secure more than a two-thirds majority in Parliament.
Senior party leaders, including Chairman Tarique Rahman and Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, have reportedly won their respective seats, along with several other prominent figures from the party.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Tarique Rahman on what he termed a decisive victory in Bangladesh’s parliamentary elections. In a message, he said the result reflected the trust of the Bangladeshi people in Rahman’s leadership and reaffirmed India’s commitment to supporting a democratic, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh. He also expressed his intention to work closely with the new leadership to strengthen bilateral ties and advance shared development goals.
The United States Embassy in Dhaka also extended congratulations to the people of Bangladesh, calling the election successful. It acknowledged the BNP and its acting chairman for what it described as a historic win and signalled readiness to deepen cooperation between the two countries.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and its allies claimed around 61 seats. The National Citizen Party said it secured six constituencies.
The Election Commission has not yet released the final official results. Voting outcomes in three constituencies — Sherpur-2, Chattogram-2 and Chattogram-4 — have been suspended due to pending legal cases.
Although polling was largely peaceful, Jamaat-e-Islami and the National Citizen Party alleged irregularities in parts of Dhaka. The Chief Election Commissioner rejected those claims.
The BNP has asked its supporters to refrain from holding victory rallies until the results are formally announced and instead observe nationwide prayers.
