BNP Secures Majority in Bangladesh Election

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has secured a majority in Bangladesh’s 13th National Parliamentary Election, marking a significant shift in the country’s political landscape.

The result represents a major turnaround for BNP acting chairperson Tarique Rahman, who has been living in self-imposed exile in London for several years.

This was the first national election since the 2024 student-led protests that ended the 15-year rule of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

According to official estimates, about 1,400 protesters were killed during the unrest. Hasina has been accused by opponents of ordering a crackdown on demonstrators, an allegation she has denied.

Hasina’s party, the Awami League, was barred from contesting the election.
In a statement following the results, the BNP extended congratulations to voters nationwide, including residents of Dhaka, and announced that it would mark the victory through prayers rather than public celebrations.

The party said special prayers (dua) would be held after Friday congregational prayers at mosques across the country, including in the capital.

It also called on members of other faiths to offer prayers at their respective places of worship, including temples, churches and pagodas.

The party specified that no victory processions or public rallies would be organized despite what it described as a landslide win. (Agencies)