Bangladesh gears up for crucial general elections on amid high security

Hope, fear ahead of Bangladesh polls today

There is hardly any traffic on the otherwise notoriously congested roads of Dhaka.

Young boys play cricket on the streets as most shops and offices are shut ahead of the Thursday polling to elect a new government in India's eastern neighbor.

Voting begins in Bangladesh's crucial parliamentary elections

Voting begins, long lines seen outside polling booths

Bangladesh election 2026 Live Updates | Key Jamaat-e- Islami, NCP, BNP leaders cast vote

With voting underway for the 13th parliamentary elections, key leaders of the Jamaat-e-Islami, National Citizen party (NCP) and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) have cast their votes as reported by The Daily Star.
According to The Daily Star, Jamaat-e-Islami's Ameer Shafiqur Rahman cast his vote around 8:30 am at Manipur High School centre.
Shortly after casting his vote, National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam toldthe media that the party is on the verge of forming the government. He urged people to go to the polling centres and exercise their voting rights without fear.

Bangladesh election 2026 Live Updates | Why is Bangladesh holding a national referendum alongside its general election?

Bangladesh will hold a national referendum on Thursday together with its first parliamentary election since violent protests ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024. The referendum ⁠will give people a chance to vote on reforms to state institutions. Here is a ⁠look at why the referendum is being held, ‌and what it entails.

WHY IS A ​REFERENDUM NEEDED?

The referendum focuses on implementing the 'July Charter' drafted after the 2024 uprising to establish good governance, democracy, and social justice through institutional reforms, and to prevent "recurrence of authoritarian and fascist rule".

The interim government that took power after Hasina's ​ouster approved the charter's implementation ⁠order in November, saying public approval was necessary for key changes.

WHAT ARE PEOPLE VOTING ON?

Voters will decide on four major reforms, including the creation of new constitutional bodies and the introduction of a bicameral parliament whose ⁠upper house ‌whose majority approval shall be needed for constitutional amendments.

Other questions cover the implementation of 30 charter reforms - including term limits ‌for prime ministers and enhanced presidential powers, along with broader changes in line with political parties' ⁠commitments.

HOW IS THE REFERENDUM BEING HELD?

Each person will cast their vote by secret ballot.

If a majority votes in ‌favour, a Constitutional Reform Council will be formed to complete ‌the reforms within 180 working days from its first session.

Bangladesh election 2026 Live Updates | Main issues in Bangladesh elections

Bangladeshis head to the polls on Thursday, with nearly 128 million people eligible to vote, in a key test of the country's return ⁠to democracy after a popular uprising toppled long-time leader Sheikh Hasina in August ⁠2024.

Here are the main election issues in the ‌nation of 175 million, which ​has been governed by an unelected interim administration since Hasina's chaotic fall.

CORRUPTION

A recent opinion poll by the Dhaka-based Communication Research Foundation and Bangladesh Elections and Public Opinion Studies found corruption to be voters' top concern.

INFLATION

Inflation edged ‌up to 8.58% in January, according to official data, and more than two-thirds of respondents in the poll cited "prices" ‌as their second-biggest concern.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Once one of Asia's fastest-growing economies, Bangladesh has struggled ⁠to regain momentum since the COVID-19 pandemic paralysed its export-driven garments sector.

EMPLOYMENT

With an estimated ‌40% of Bangladeshis under 30, the next government faces intense pressure to create jobs for millions of young people after months of instability.

Bangladesh election 2026 Live Updates | First-time voters praise smooth process and calm atmosphere at polling booths in Bangladesh

Voters at a polling centre in Gulshan, Dhaka expressed optimism and satisfaction as ballots were cast in what many described as an orderly and peaceful environment.
From the early hours of the morning, long queues signalled strong enthusiasm among residents and those from surrounding areas eager to participate in the democratic process.
One first-time voter shared her excitement, saying: "This feeling is really amazing because this is the first time in my life that I have voted, and it's so easy and simple because the two ballots are not creating any issues. The ballot papers are very clear, the symbols are very clear, and the 'yes' and 'no' options are very clear. You can easily cast your vote. I think there will be no problem for any voter to cast a vote, and the inside arrangement is such that it is distributed into different rooms according to numbers."

Bangladesh election 2026 Live Updates |'Victory of BNP is certain': Tarique Rahman confident as Bangladesh goes to polls

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson Tarique Rahman cast his vote on Thursday as voting got underway in Bangladesh's 13th parliamentary elections. Rahman urged people to exercise their right to vote and expressed optimism for the victory of BNP in the elections.
Immediately after casting his vote Rahman said the BNP would prioritize law and order if voted to power.
""We will prioritise improving law and order in the country so that people feel secure if we can form the government," he said after casting his vote at Gulshan Model High School and College in Gulshan-2.
Further in his social media post, Tarique Rehman urged all to exercise their right to vote" in a festive and peaceful atmosphere.
"Cast your vote for whoever you deem most fit. Vote according to your own choice, and establish your rights and ownership over the state," he said
He called upon people to come to the polling centers today, cast their votes, and entrust the elected candidates with their responsibilities.
"From tomorrow, your Members of Parliament will take charge of your welfare and remain dedicated to your service, Insha'Allah. I personally take the responsibility to ensure that every winning candidate of the BNP performs their duties faithfully," he said.

Bangladesh election 2026 Live Updates | Will accept election verdict if polls are fair: Jamaat-e-Islami leader Shafiqur Rahman

On the morning of Bangladesh's national election on February 12, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman made it clear that his party will accept the results of the vote only if the polls are conducted in a free and fair manner.
The comments came shortly after he cast his ballot at the Monipur High School and College polling centre in Dhaka.
Speaking to reporters, Rahman said, "If the voting is held in a free and fair manner, we will accept the results. Others should also accept the verdict of the people." He urged voters to turn out in large numbers and stressed that accepting the people's will is fundamental to democratic process.

Bangladesh election 2026 Live Updates |Chief Adviser of the interim government of Bangladesh, Muhammad Yunus, casts his vote for the 13th Parliamentary elections, at a polling centre in Dhaka.

Bangladesh election 2026 Live Updates | 'People of Bangladesh waiting for this day," says BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman after casting his vote

Bangladesh election 2026 Live Updates | No 'boat' symbol on ballot for first time in 30 years in Bangladesh's election

For the first time in 30 years, the boat, the Awami League's electoral symbol, will not appear on the ballot paper in Bangladesh's crucial general election.

The election is the first since the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in massive nationwide protests in August 2024.

One of the country's oldest political parties, the Awami League, has boycotted parliamentary elections twice in the past. This time, however, it is unable to take part at all, as its registration remains suspended, BDnews24 reported.

As a result, the party will not feature even on postal ballots.

Bangladesh election 2026 Live Updates |Bangladesh Polls: Jamaat candidate alleges foul play

Amidst polling for the 13th parliamentary elections in Bangladesh, Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Khaleduz Zaman alleged discrepancies in voting in certain places.
Addressing mediapersons, Khaleduz Zaman, Jamaat-e-Islami candidate, who is running against BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman, said, "The situation is not good because without a polling agent, in a separate room, someone is sealing the papers. It is totally disappointing. I have seen this in some places. We were hopeful that Jamaat-e-Islami would win the election, but if this happens, how can we have hopes..."

Bangladesh election 2026 Live Updates |'Absence of Awami league worrying,' says former Diplomat as Bangladesh votes in Parliamentary polls

Assessing the political climate, a former diplomat Surendra Kumar noted, "This country with which we enjoy the longest border, 4096 kilometers, we have border in five states, is very important for us."
The significance of Bangladesh for India is deeply rooted in geography, history and shared strategic interests. The two nations share extensive cultural and economic ties, and Bangladesh's political trajectory has direct implications for India's eastern and northeastern regions.
The former diplomat flagged the pre-election atmosphere in Bangladesh and said the non participation of the Awami league was worrying.
"Atmosphere was full of violence, hatred, anti-India feeling, anti-Sheikha Hasina feeling. While the climate is said to be slowly stabilizing, the absence of the Awami League has raised concerns. I mean it's a little pity that the party which has ruled four times is not in the frame. But we have to accept the reality," Kumar said

Bangladesh election 2026 Live Updates | Election Commission records 32.88 per cent voter turnout by noon

Over 32 per cent of the electorate voted till noon in the crucial parliamentary elections in Bangladesh, marred by sporadic incidents of violence.

Voting was continuing in all centres despite isolated incidents in different parts of the country, Bangladesh Election Commission Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed said at a briefing.

He said that 32.88 per cent voter turnout was recorded at 32,789 polling centres till 12 pm, The Dhaka Tribune reported.

"So far, voting has not been suspended in any polling centre. There is no alarming situation," he told reporters.

The voting started in 299 out of 300 parliamentary constituencies across the country from 7:30 am (local time) and will continue until 4:30 pm. The counting of votes is expected to begin shortly after the voting concludes.

Bangladesh election 2026 Live Updates | Voter turnout touched 47.91% by 2 pm, recorded in 36,031 polling stations, says EC

The Election Commission on Wednesday said 47.91% of voters had cast their ballots across 36,031 polling stations as of 2 pm.

EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed shared the update while briefing reporters around 4.15 pm. He said there were some reports of violence and irregularities during polling, which were being examined. "If the allegations are found to be true, action will be taken," he said.

Earlier in the day, the EC had reported a turnout of 32.88% at 32,789 polling centres as of noon.

Bangladesh election 2026 Live Updates | Voting ends for National Parliament election and referendum, countingo begin shortly

Polling for the 13th National Parliament Election and the 2026 constitutional referendum ended on Thursday, with voting held across the country in a largely peaceful atmosphere.

Voting began at 7.30 am in 299 parliamentary constituencies and continued until 4.30 pm. Election authorities said that voters who were in queues at polling stations at the closing time were allowed to cast their ballots.

While the process was mostly smooth, there were a few isolated incidents, including cocktail explosions in two districts. Four people also died due to illness during polling. Some political parties lodged complaints alleging irregularities.

Bangladesh election 2026 Live Updates | Top leaders, interim chief Yunus cast ballots in Bangladesh's crucial polls

The top leaders of Bangladesh's major contending parties, as well as interim chief Muhammad Yunus, cast their ballots early on Thursday as over 32 per cent of the electorate voted till noon in the country's crucial 13th parliamentary elections.

The general elections are being held simultaneously along with a referendum on a complex 84-point reform package introduced by Yunus.

The contest is mainly between the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its once ally, Jamaat-e-Islami, in the absence of deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina's now-disbanded Awami League.

Voting began in 299 out of 300 parliamentary constituencies across the country at 7:30 am (local time) and will continue until 4:30 pm. The counting of votes is expected to begin shortly after the voting concludes.

According to Bangladesh Election Commission Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed, 32.88 per cent voter turnout was recorded at 32,789 polling centres till 12 pm.

(PTI)

Bangladesh election 2026 Live Updates | Nation holds referendum on Yunus-led reform package with national election

Bangladesh is voting in two things at once, the 13th parliamentary election and a referendum on Muhammad Yunus's 84-point "July National Charter." The referendum asks voters to say Yes or No to a wide-ranging package of political and constitutional reforms proposed by the interim government after the 2024 uprising.

The July Charter includes major changes to governance, with 47 proposals requiring constitutional amendments and 37 needing new laws or executive orders. One key proposal is creating a bicameral parliament, replacing the current single-house system.

Legal experts warn that approving the charter could effectively dismantle the 1972 Constitution, the legal foundation of Bangladesh's independence, breaking 55 years of constitutional continuity.

Many jurists also argue the referendum itself is unconstitutional, since Bangladesh's Constitution does not allow referendums, even though it was approved by the President.

Another concern is that voters must accept or reject all 84 reforms in a single Yes/No vote, even if they agree with some parts and oppose others.

If "Yes" wins, the next parliament will be bound to implement the charter and rewrite the Constitution within 180 days. If "No" wins, the reforms will not be mandatory, making the referendum a decisive moment for Bangladesh's future.

Bangladesh election 2026 Live Updates | Activist Nasreen warns of Jamaat's Islamist threat, says BNP to face 'serious challenges' if come to power

As voting progressed in one of the most crucial National Elections in Bangladesh on Thursday, writer and activist Taslima Nasreen voiced serious concerns over the future political landscape, giving her overview of the threats and challenges that the country might face if the two main competitors, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islam, come to power.

In a statement, Nasreen warned against what she described as the "Islamist threat" posed by Jamaat, while cautioning that the BNP would face "very serious challenges" if either of them came to power.

Nasreen expressed concern that if the BNP wins the election and forms the government, Jamaat could become the main opposition party for the first time in Bangladesh's history.

Describing Jamaat as a "fundamentalist Islamist party", she alleged that it is "anti-democracy, anti-women, anti-non-Muslim and anti-secular" in its outlook, further warning of the risk of instability in the country, claiming that elements within the party could resort to violence or extremism against an elected government.

Bangladesh election 2026 Live Updates | India stands for free, fair, inclusive, and credible elections in Bangladesh: MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal

Bangladesh election 2026 Live Updates | Vote counting begins

Counting is underway across the country after voting ended.

Bangladesh election 2026 Live Updates | Yunus thanks nation for peaceful polls, calls election start of 'new Bangladesh'

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Thursday thanked the nation for the peaceful, orderly and festive conduct of the 13th National Assembly elections and the July Charter referendum, according to his press wing.

He said the high voter turnout, responsible conduct of political parties, restraint by candidates and professionalism of election authorities showed the country's strong commitment to democracy and allowed people to shape the nation's future through their constitutional rights.

Yunus also expressed gratitude to the Election Commission, security forces, administration, observers, media and election officials for ensuring the smooth conduct of the polls.

Calling the election the most peaceful in Bangladesh's history, he urged parties to maintain tolerance and democratic values after the results and said the vote marked the beginning of a new chapter for Bangladesh.

Bangladesh election 2026 Live Updates | BNP, Jamaat say they will accept results if Bangladesh election is 'free and fair'

Leaders of Bangladesh's main contesting parties on Thursday said they would accept the outcome of the 13th parliamentary election if it was held in a free, fair and impartial manner, as voting took place across the country alongside a referendum on an 84-point reform package proposed by the interim government.

The election is being fought mainly between the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami, with the Awami League barred after the ouster of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024. BNP chief Tarique Rahman, Jamaat leader Shafiqur Rahman and interim government head Muhammad Yunus cast their votes in Dhaka.

After voting, Tarique Rahman said BNP would accept the results if the polls were held without controversy and promised to prioritise law and order if elected. Shafiqur Rahman also said Jamaat would respect the verdict of the people if the election was fair, calling for a government that represents all citizens.

Despite official claims of a peaceful and festive vote, sporadic violence was reported, including crude bomb and hand-bomb attacks at polling stations in Gopalganj and Munshiganj. Media outlets also carried allegations of pre-poll irregularities, which party leaders dismissed as rumours.

Bangladesh election 2026 Live Updates | 'We received an invitation': India opts out of monitoring Bangladesh elections, awaits results

India decided not to send election observers to Bangladesh despite receiving an official invitation, saying it wants to avoid any perception of interference in the country's democratic process.

External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said New Delhi believes the credibility of the elections should be judged by the Bangladeshi people and the international community, not by India's presence. He stressed that India supports free, fair, inclusive and credible elections in Bangladesh.

Jaiswal said India will wait for the election results before assessing the mandate and engaging with the next government. "We should wait for the outcome of the elections to see what sort of mandate has come out," he said.

The move signals India's intent to respect Bangladesh's sovereignty while remaining ready to work with whoever emerges victorious in the February 12 parliamentary elections, held nearly two years after the July 2024 uprising that toppled Sheikh Hasina's government.

Bangladesh election 2026 Live Updates | Ex-Prez Hasina appreciates citizens for rejecting 'election of murderous-fascist Yunus'

Supporters of the Awami League have denounced Bangladesh's February 12 election under Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus as a "fraudulent and voter-less exercise", claiming it was held illegally and without constitutional legitimacy after the party was excluded from the polls.

They alleged that from the night of February 11, polling stations were taken over through gunfire, vote-buying, ballot stamping and manipulation of result sheets, while actual voter participation was almost non-existent in many areas, especially in Dhaka.

Bangladesh election 2026 Live Updates | At one polling centre, BNP candidate Habibur Rashid secured 566 votes, while rival Tasnim Zara polled 368

Bangladesh election 2026 Live Updates | Yunus hails 'peaceful and festive' polls as counting begins

Voting for Bangladesh's 13th Parliamentary Election and a constitutional referendum concluded on Thursday across 299 constituencies, with counting beginning soon after polls closed.

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus hailed the exercise as "the beginning of an unprecedented journey toward a new Bangladesh," calling it the "most peaceful and festive" election in the country's history.

Bangladesh election 2026 Live Updates | Counting underway after nation votes in elections post Awami league ban

The counting of votes was underway on Thursday after Bangladeshis cast ballots in the crucial general elections to elect a new government to replace the interim administration, which took charge after the collapse of the Awami League regime in August 2024.

The voting for the 13th parliamentary elections was held along with a referendum on the implementation of a complex 84-point reform package, known as the July National Charter.

The counting of votes began after voting concluded at 4:30 pm (local time). However, in places where voters are in line inside the polling station, voting will continue until they vote.

"The first significant results may be available overnight," an election commission spokesman said.

The election is considered a direct contest between the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its once ally Jamaat-e-Islami, in the absence of ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina's now disbanded Awami League.

(PTI)

Bangladesh election 2026 Live Updates | 'Winner pre-decided': Awami League leader attacks polls as 'illegal and one-sided'

Bangladesh election 2026 Live Updates | BNP confident of victory though cries foul, Jamaat claims landslide as post-Hasina election ends

The people of Bangladesh on Thursday witnessed one of the most significant moments in the history of their country as they voted for a mandate in an attempt to bring back their political stability, almost two years after the ousting of the earlier regime led by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina back in July 2024.

People queued at polling stations nationwide for the 13th Parliamentary Election and constitutional referendum, with the two major political stakeholders, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami-led alliance, making contrasting claims as polling concluded at 4:30 pm (local time).

BNP, despite expressing confidence of victory, alleged irregularities and attempts to suppress voter turnout.

While Jamaat, speaking on behalf of the alliance, called the process "excellent" and voiced hope for a landslide win.

Addressing a press briefing at the BNP's Gulshan election office in Dhaka, BNP Election Steering Committee spokesperson Mahdi Amin claimed that his party's victory was "inevitable and clear", while alleging that lower voter turnout was the result of "misleading activities" and intimidation by a rival political party, as reported by the Daily Star.

(ANI)

BNP appears to have edge as counting underway in crucial Bangladesh general elections

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) appears to have the edge over its once ally Jamaat-e-Islami in the crucial general elections on Thursday to elect a new government to replace the interim administration, which took charge after the collapse of the Awami League regime in August 2024.

Election officials and media reports said early results gave an edge to the BNP with its nominees leading in over 175 seats while Jamaat candidates leading in 30 seats.

The polling with a referendum on constitutional reforms running in parallel closed at 4.30 pm with an initial estimate suggesting the turnout to be 48 per cent at 2 pm.

Bangladesh's Jamaat chief says won't do 'politics of opposition' as BNP leads big

The chief of Bangladesh's Islamist Jamaat-e-Islami ⁠party said on ⁠Thursday that ‌his ​party would not do "politics of opposition" for the ​sake of ⁠it, in an indication that he was conceding ⁠the ‌national election as votes were ‌being counted.

"We ⁠will do positive politics," Shafiqur ‌Rahman ‌told reporters, as the ‌rival Bangladesh ‌Nationalist Party was leading in 131 seats, ⁠inching ⁠closer to the halfway mark of 151 in the legislature of ​300 members.

(Reuters)

BNP crosses ⁠halfway ⁠mark

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party ⁠crossed the halfway ⁠mark.

Tarique Rahman wins Bogra-6 seat by a huge margin, Prothom Alo reports

Bangladesh Election 2026 Live Updates | Vote count gives clear edge to BNP in Bangladesh polls

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) appeared to be consolidating its lead over its once ally Jamaat-e-Islami as the counting for the crucial general elections to replace the interim administration, which took charge after the collapse of the Awami League regime in August 2024, progressed late on Thursday night.

The election is seen as a direct contest between the BNP and the Jamaat-e-Islami in the absence of ousted premier Sheikh Hasina's now disbanded Awami League.

Unofficial results after midnight suggested the BNP was leading in most of the constituencies.

According to unofficial results tallied so far by Ittefaq newspaper, the BNP has won 158 seats, Jamaat 41 and others five seats. Counting had been completed for 204 out of the 299 constituencies where polling was held.

The report indicated the BNP has won the election.

In unofficial results, Election Commission officials said BNP chairman and former premier Khaleda Zia's son Tarique Rahman won the seat in his home district in Bugura. Rahman polled 2,16,284 votes, according to the returning officer of the constituency.

Bangladesh Election 2026 Live Updates | BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman contested from two seats in the 13th National Parliament election. According to unofficial results, he won both seats, reports Prothom Alo

Bangladesh Election 2026 Live Updates | BNP secures 135 seats

Daily Star- a Bangladesh Daily- reports BNP has secured 135 seats

Bangladesh Election 2026 Live Updates | BNP heading for sweeping election win, AFP reports

Bangladesh Election 2026 Live Updates | BNP projected to push past 150-seat threshold

At 5:30 am (2330 GMT Thursday), broadcasters projected that the BNP had pushed well past the 150-seat threshold to secure a clear majority in parliament.

Jamuna and Somoy television channels reported that the BNP had secured 197 seats.

Bangladesh Election 2026 Live Updates | Bangladesh Nationalist Party claims victory in pivotal election

Bangladesh Nationalist Party, led by Tarique Rahman, claimed victory Friday in the country's first elections since a student-led movement topped the last government in 2024.

According to Dhaka Tribune, Vote counting in the 13th national parliamentary election early this morning showed the BNP securing a majority of seats, with the party winning 151 constituencies so far.

Initial trends also indicated Jamaat-e-Islami would emerge as the main opposition, securing 43 seats.

(NYT inputs)

Bangladesh Election 2026 Live Updates | US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T Christensen congratulates Tarique Rahman led BNP

Bangladesh Election 2026 Live Updates | Bangladesh Nationalist Party has got absolute majority: Syed Moazzem Hossain Alal, Adviser to BNP chairman Tarique Rahman

Bangladesh Election 2026 Live Updates | Visuals from Bangladesh Election Commission office

Bangladesh Election 2026 Live Updates | Tarique Rahman: From exile to winning power

Less than two months after returning from nearly two decades of self-imposed exile in London, Tarique Rahman is set to win one of Bangladesh's most pivotal elections and become prime minister, leading ⁠the country as his parents once did.

Bangladesh Election 2026 Live Updates | Look forward to strengthening our multifaceted relations: PM Modi congratulates Tarique Rahman

Bangladesh Election 2026 Live Updates | Bangladesh's BNP wins two-thirds majority in landmark election

The Bangladesh National Party (BNP) won a decisive two-thirds majority on Friday in general elections, a result expected to bring stability after months of tumult following the ouster of former ⁠Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in a Gen Z-led uprising.

Latest counts in an election seen as the South Asian nation's first truly competitive ⁠in years gave the BNP and its allies at least 212 of the 299 seats up ‌for grabs, domestic TV channels said. The opposition ​Jamaat-e-Islami and its allies won 70 seats in the Jatiya Sangsad, or House of the Nation. (Reuters)

Bangladesh Election 2026 Live Updates | 'Set to form government', says BNP as projected results show Rahman's win

Bangladesh Election 2026 Live Updates | BNP set to return to power after 20 years

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on Friday claimed victory in the crucial general elections, marred by sporadic incidents of violence, to elect a new government to replace the interim administration, which took charge after the fall of the Awami League regime in August 2024.

Bangladesh Election 2026 Live Updates | Pakistan PM congratulates Tarique Rahman

Bangladesh Election 2026 Live Updates | '...Inclusive Bangladesh to have full support of Indians': Mallikarjun Kharge congratulates Tarique Rahman

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge congratulated Tarique Rahman after the projected results showed the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leading to a victory in the neighbouring country's 13th parliamentary elections.

In a post shared on X, Kharge highlighted the historical, cultural, and linguistic ties between India and Bangladesh and reaffirmed India's support for a democratic, progressive, and inclusive Bangladesh.

Bangladesh Election 2026 Live Updates | BNP wins sweeping election majority, promise of stability

Bangladesh Election 2026 Live Updates | Turnout in national election and referendum 59.44%, says EC (The Daily Star)

Bangladesh Election 2026 Live Updates | BNP thanks India for recognising Bangladesh election verdict, hopes for stronger bilateral ties

The BNP on Friday thanked India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for recognising the verdict of Bangladesh's general elections and hoped that the relations between the two countries will be strengthened under the new government.

Bangladesh Election 2026 Live Updates | Tarique Rahman may take oath tomorrow

Bangladesh Election 2026 Live Updates | Mamata congratulates BNP leader Tarique Rahman for victory

Bangladesh Election 2026 Live Updates | Nationalists triumph, Islamists cry foul

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) swept to power in Bangladesh's first election since the 2024 uprising, winning 212 seats in Parliament, far ahead of the Jamaat-e-Islami-led alliance's 77, Election Commission data showed. BNP leader Tarique Rahman is set to become prime minister.

The Awami League, led by ousted former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, was barred from contesting. Jamaat questioned the integrity of the results but stopped short of rejecting them outright. Voter turnout stood at 59% across 299 constituencies.

The BNP victory drew congratulations from the US, India, China and Pakistan, signalling broad international recognition. Interim leader Muhammad Yunus, who will step down once the new government takes charge, said the vote had "ended the nightmare and begun a new dream" for Bangladesh.

Alongside the election, voters also backed major constitutional reforms in a referendum, including term limits for the prime minister, a new upper house of parliament, stronger presidential powers, and greater judicial independence.

Bangladesh Election 2026 Live Updates | BNP sweeps Bangladesh polls with 212 seats in first competitive election in years

The official count in a vote viewed ​as the South Asian nation's first truly competitive election in years gave the BNP and its allies at least 212 of the 299 seats up for grabs, the Election Commission said. The opposition Jamaat-e-Islami and its allies won 77 seats in the Jatiya Sangsad, or House of the Nation.

Bangladesh Election 2026 Live Updates | PM Modi speaks to Tarique Rahman, congratulates him on BNP's victory