The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by Tarique Rahman, has returned to power with a historic landslide victory in the 13th general elections held on February 12, 2026. This marks a major political turning point for the nation, ending a nearly two-decade hiatus from power for the BNP and replacing the interim administration that took charge after the collapse of the Awami League regime in 2024.
As of Friday, February 13, counting is nearing completion for 297 out of 299 constituencies, with the BNP and its allies securing a two-thirds majority in the Jatiya Sangsad.
The Final Tally (Provisional)
The results indicate a decisive mandate for the BNP, which had boycotted the previous 2024 elections under the Sheikh Hasina administration.
| Party / Alliance | Seats Secured |
| BNP & Allies | 212 |
| Jamaat-e-Islami & Allies | 77 |
| National Citizen Party (NCP) | 6 |
| Others / Independents | 7 |
- Tarique Rahman’s Double Win: The BNP chairman and Prime Minister-designate secured victories in both the Dhaka-17 and Bogra-6 constituencies.
- The “Silent” Victory: Following the win, Tarique Rahman urged supporters to refrain from victory rallies and instead offer special prayers, out of respect for the recent passing of his mother, former PM Begum Khaleda Zia.
A Complex Electoral Exercise
The 2026 election was the first truly competitive poll in years and was unique for several reasons:
- Referendum on Reform: Alongside the parliamentary vote, citizens participated in a referendum on the July National Charter, an 84-point reform package. Early results suggest over 65% voted “Yes.”
- Turnout: Voter turnout was recorded at 59.44%, a significant increase from the boycotted January 2024 polls.
- Postal Ballots: For the first time, postal voting was utilized for expats and detainees, making it one of the most procedurally complex elections in the country’s history.
International Reactions
Global leaders moved swiftly to recognize the new political reality in Dhaka:
- India: Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among the first to congratulate Tarique Rahman, reaffirming India’s commitment to a “peaceful, progressive, and inclusive” neighbor.
- United States: The US Embassy in Dhaka congratulated the BNP on its “historic victory,” signaling a reset in diplomatic relations after nearly two decades.
- Other Nations: Leaders from the Maldives, Pakistan, and China have also extended their congratulations to the Prime Minister-designate.