BNP Set to Form Government as Early Results Signal Historic Mandate in Bangladesh

Vote counting for Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary elections on Friday pointed to a strong showing by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, with early trends and media projections suggesting the party is poised to form the next government.

In a post on X in the early hours of Friday, the BNP Media Cell said the party is set to form the government after winning a majority of seats.

Local media reports have projected a historic victory for the party and its allies, though official results are yet to be declared by the Bangladesh Election Commission, which is expected to issue its announcement later in the day.

According to The Daily Star, vote counting was completed in 237 constituencies, with 62 remaining.

Of the 299 seats, BNP and its allies secured 177 seats, while Jamaat and its allies secured 53.

Is the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Set to Cross the Majority Mark in Bangladesh Elections?

The Dhaka Tribune reported that projected results showed BNP leading in 151 constituencies. Early morning counting indicated BNP had won 151 seats so far, with initial trends suggesting Jamaat-e-Islami would emerge as the main opposition, securing 43 seats.

Despite the varying stages of counting reflected in media reports, preliminary figures indicate a significant shift in Bangladesh’s political landscape, with the BNP alliance expected to surpass the halfway mark required to form the government.

BNP chairman Tarique Rahman has requested that celebrations be postponed out of respect for the passing of his mother, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, before the election. The party has called for prayers for Khaleda Zia after Friday congregational prayers.

Rahman has been unofficially declared elected from the Bogura-6 Sadar constituency after securing a decisive victory over his nearest rival, according to the Daily Star.

Results announced by the office of the District Returning Officer and Deputy Commissioner Md Taufiqur Rahman showed that tallies from 150 of the 151 polling centres, including postal ballots, had been completed.

What Do Citizens Expect From the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on Governance and Stability?

Bangladeshi freedom fighter T M Rezaul Karin told ANI that the BNP was popular in the country and that people were in a festive mood as they cast their votes.

He said the nation exercised its voting rights after a long time and that people voted according to their choice.

While there were a few untoward incidents, the elections largely remained peaceful, with people from all religions participating.

“All the people were voting, they have exercised their voting right, and there is no question of Hindus or Muslims or Buddhists or Christians. All the Bangladeshis, in 1971, were liberated from Pakistan to Bangladesh. Everybody, all the communities fought against the bloody Pakistani armies,” he said, expressing hope that the BNP would ensure good governance and justice to maintain political harmony.

Retired government official Mazharul Islam said the people of Bangladesh expect the BNP to provide greater opportunities and extend facilities, especially to marginalised sections of society.

Soon after the BNP’s announcement, US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T Christensen congratulated the people of Bangladesh on what he described as a successful election and extended wishes to the BNP and Tarique Rahman on their historic victory.

In a post on X, he said the United States looks forward to working with the new leadership to realise shared goals of prosperity and security for both countries.

The election has been described as one of the most pivotal in the country’s history, marking a possible departure from the classic ‘Battle of Begums’ era. The polls were held following the demise of Khaleda Zia and the ban on her long-time rival Awami League, led by Sheikh Hasina.

(With inputs from ANI)