BNP returns to power after 20 years, Gen-Z on losing side – Firstpost

It’s a new dawn in Bangladesh. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by Tarique Rahman, has swept the elections, crossing the majority mark of 150 seats. With this win, the BNP returns to power after more than 20 long years — 2001 was the last poll that they won.

The February 12 elections have been deemed historic; they are the first since the 2024 uprising that ended former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s 15 years of rule. Moreover, for the first time in three decades, Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League’s “boat” symbol was absent from ballots, as the party was suspended following the collapse of the previous administration.

If you are still waking or missed the big developments from the Bangladeshi election results, our 12-point guide will help you.

1. The BNP led by Tarique Rahman is headed for an emphatic win in the Bangladesh polls. Broadcasters have shown that the party has pushed well past the 150-seat threshold to secure a clear majority in parliament. The Jamuna television channel reported that the BNP had secured 212 seats.

2. Securing a win in these polls, 60-year-old
   Tarique Rahman has also proved his political credentials. He returned to Bangladesh last December after a 17-year self-exile, and has been campaigning tirelessly for the party. The win also places Rahman in the driver’s seat for the position of Bangladesh’s prime minister. The BNP chief also won the two seats he had contested from — Dhaka-17 and Bogura-6.

3. Instead of huge celebrations, Tarique Rahman has urged his supporters and party members to pray. The party stated that it will hold a prayer mahfil after results are officially declared.

4. The Jamaat-e-Islami-led coalition has been left way behind. However, it’s not all bad news for the coalition, which also includes the youth-centric National Citizen Party (NCP). The alliance scored more wins than predicted.

5. Even as votes were still being counted, the chief of Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh, Shafiqur Rahman, said that his party would not pursue “politics of opposition” for its own sake, signalling acceptance of the election outcome. “We will do positive politics,” he told reporters.

6. This election in Bangladesh wasn’t just about deciding the next government of the country, but also voting in a referendum on the July National Charter, which contains major reform proposals agreed to by the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government and several political parties. At last count, 65 per cent of Bangladesh has voted in favour of the charter, which limits prime ministers to two terms (10 years), establishing an upper house of parliament, and restoring the caretaker system – having a caretaker government take charge for 90 days before an election to ensure polls are free and fair.

7. The polls haven’t been all smooth-sailing though. On Thursday, several
   instances of violence were reported, with the Daily Star stating that 72 people were injured in 14 different separate clashes and disturbances during polling. Moreover, political parties also alleged that the vote counting is being manipulated. Some others questioned the integrity of the election results.

8. As these elections conclude, the 18-month interim administration led by Muhammad Yunus will step down. On the day of polling, Yunus told reporters, “Today is the birthday of a new Bangladesh. We will celebrate this birthday throughout the day. This is a day of great joy.”

9. This election is the first time in decades that Bangladesh’s two begums — Sheikh Hasina and
   Khaleda Zia — are absent. Hasina is in India after being deposed, while Khaleda Zia passed away last December.

10. While many celebrated the elections and the results, Sheikh Hasina has termed them as “deceptive” and called for them to be cancelled, claiming the turnout was low and polling stations were “completely empty of voters”. “In this situation, we demand the cancellation of this voterless, illegal, and unconstitutional election; the resignation of Yunus,” she said in a statement.

11. India’s
    Prime Minister Narendra Modi also extended his wishes to the BNP and Tarique Rahman. “I convey my warm congratulations to Mr Tarique Rahman on leading BNP to a decisive victory in the Parliamentary elections in Bangladesh. This victory shows the trust of the people of Bangladesh in your leadership. India will continue to stand in support of a democratic, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh. I look forward to working with you to strengthen our multifaceted relations and advance our common development goals,” PM wrote on X.

12. The United States also congratulated Tarique Rahman and the BNP for the historic victory in the 13th general election of Bangladesh. “Congratulations to the people of Bangladesh on a successful election and to the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and Tarique Rahman on your historic victory. The United States looks forward to working with you to realise shared goals of prosperity and security for both our countries,” the US ambassador to Bangladesh wrote on X.

With inputs from agencies