Dhaka, February 13, 2026 – The Europe Today: The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has won a decisive victory in Bangladesh’s parliamentary election, securing a simple majority in the 300-member Jatiya Sangsad, according to results broadcast by local television channel Ekattor TV.
The BNP captured 151 seats, crossing the halfway threshold required to form a government. Its main rival, the Islamist Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, won 42 seats.
Jamaat chief Shafiqur Rahman indicated the party was conceding defeat even before the BNP officially reached the majority mark.
The election, held on Thursday, marked the country’s first general vote since the 2024 Gen Z-driven uprising that led to the resignation of long-time prime minister Sheikh Hasina. The polls were widely viewed as pivotal for restoring political stability in the South Asian nation.
Voter turnout appeared significantly higher than in the previous election, which recorded 42 percent participation in 2024. Local media estimated that more than 60 percent of registered voters cast their ballots this time.
More than 2,000 candidates contested the election, including a large number of independents, while at least 50 political parties took part — a national record. Voting in one constituency was postponed following the death of a candidate.
The BNP contested 292 of the 300 seats, leaving the remaining constituencies to its coalition partners, which include more than half a dozen smaller parties. Pre-election opinion polls had suggested that the BNP-led alliance held a narrow edge.
The party is led by prime ministerial frontrunner Tarique Rahman, the son of former prime minister Khaleda Zia and former president Ziaur Rahman.
Among its key campaign pledges were financial assistance for low-income families, a constitutional limit of 10 years for any individual to serve as prime minister, economic revitalisation through increased foreign investment, and strengthened anti-corruption measures.
The outcome is expected to usher in a new political chapter for Bangladesh as the BNP prepares to form the next government.
