Bangladesh Elections: BNP Triumphs With Striking Win, Tarique Rahman Set To Become Prime Minister

Bangladesh held its first free and fair parliamentary elections in 17 years on February 12, 2026, following the massive 2024 student-led protests that forced the ouster of long-time Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by Tarique Rahman, emerged victorious with a decisive majority of 212 seats out of 299. The elections marked a historic return to democratic processes after years of alleged electoral manipulation, with citizens expressing relief and festive participation at polling stations. India promptly congratulated Rahman through a statement from Prime Minister Modi, pledging continued support for a democratic, progressive, and inclusive Bangladesh.

Tarique Rahman, son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and grandson of BNP founder and former President Ziaur Rahman, returned from 17 years of self-exile in London, where he had fled in 2008 amid corruption allegations, and assumed full leadership of the BNP shortly after his mother’s death. His victory is attributed to widespread popularity, a sympathy wave following Khaleda Zia’s passing, and the BNP’s strong grassroots appeal as a major opposition force. Experts describe the outcome as expected and promising, with hopes that the new government will lead the country democratically and peacefully according to the people’s will, potentially changing Bangladesh’s political fate after prolonged upheaval.