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Breaking News: Bangladesh General Election 2026
BNP Secures Supermajority in Bangladesh Historic 2026 Polls; Tarique Rahman Poised for Premiership
DHAKA — The political landscape of Bangladesh has been fundamentally reshaped following the general elections held on February 12, 2026. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by Tarique Rahman, has secured a landslide victory, marking the party's return to power after two decades.
Election Results at a Glance
Preliminary data from the Bangladesh Election Commission suggests a significant voter turnout of approximately 59.4%, a sharp increase from the disputed 2024 polls. The BNP has already crossed the 151-seat threshold required for a simple majority.
| Political Party / Alliance | Estimated Seats Won | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) | 209 - 212 | Majority / Government |
| Jamaat-e-Islami & 11-Party Alliance | 74 - 77 | Opposition |
| Independents & Small Parties | ~20 | N/A |
| Awami League | 0 (Banned/Did not contest) | N/A |
A New Era: The Return of the "Old Guard"
The victory marks a triumphant return for Tarique Rahman, who returned to Bangladesh in late 2025 after 17 years in exile. While many youth leaders from the 2024 "July Revolution" expressed a desire for entirely new faces, the electorate largely favored the organizational strength of the BNP to restore stability following the interim government led by Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus.
Constitutional Referendum Passes
Alongside the parliamentary vote, Bangladeshis voted overwhelmingly "Yes" in a constitutional referendum. The changes include:
- Reintroduction of term limits for the Prime Minister.
- Strengthening the independence of the Judiciary and Election Commission.
- Restructuring the legislature to prevent "one-party rule."
Geopolitical Impact
International reactions have been swift. The United States was among the first to congratulate the people of Bangladesh on a "historic victory." Neighboring India, which had close ties with the former Awami League government, has expressed a commitment to working with the new democratic leadership to advance regional prosperity.
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