DHAKA, February 13, 2026 – Marking a historic shift in the nation’s political landscape, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has claimed a decisive victory in the 13th parliamentary elections, ending a 20-year hiatus from power.
Preliminary counts from the Election Commission (EC) and unofficial tallies indicate that the BNP, led by Tarique Rahman, has secured a commanding majority, surpassing the 151-seat threshold in the 300-seat Jatiya Sangsad. This election, the first since the ouster of the Awami League regime in August 2024, signals the conclusion of the 18-month interim administration headed by Muhammad Yunus.
With this win, Tarique Rahman—who returned from self-exile in late 2025—is poised to become Bangladesh’s first male Prime Minister in 35 years, with an official swearing-in ceremony expected as early as Saturday.The elections were held alongside a critical referendum on the July National Charter, a comprehensive 84-point reform package aimed at restructuring the country’s democratic framework.
Despite a massive security deployment of nearly one million personnel, the process was shadowed by allegations of “abnormal delays” and “result tampering” from the Jamaat-e-Islami, the BNP’s former ally and primary challenger in the absence of the debarred Awami League. Nevertheless, international leaders, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and representatives from the United States and Pakistan, have already extended their congratulations to the BNP.
In a gesture of restraint, Rahman has urged supporters to forgo victory rallies in favor of special prayers during Friday’s ‘Juma’ services, emphasizing a focus on stability and national unity as the party prepares to address the country’s mounting economic and social challenges.
