BNP Secures Majority in Bangladesh Parliamentary Elections, Set to Form Government

DHAKA:  The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) said Friday it is set to form the next government as vote counting continues in Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary elections, with early trends showing the party and its allies in a clear lead.

In a post on X, the BNP media cell stated that the party was poised to take power after securing a majority of seats. According to projections cited by local media, counting has been completed in 194 constituencies, with 105 still remaining.

Reports indicate that out of 299 seats counted so far, the BNP and its allies have won 149 seats, while the alliance led by Jamaat-e-Islami has secured 39. Separate early trends show the BNP leading in about 151 constituencies, suggesting it could cross the majority mark needed to form the government once counting concludes. Initial projections also suggest Jamaat-e-Islami may emerge as the principal opposition with roughly 43 seats.

U.S. Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T Christensen congratulated Bangladesh on what he described as a successful election and extended congratulations to BNP chairman Tarique Rahman on what he called a “historic victory,” expressing Washington’s willingness to work with the new leadership on shared priorities.

Rahman has also been unofficially declared elected from the Bogura-6 constituency after securing a decisive lead over his nearest rival. Local election authorities said counting from 150 of the constituency’s 151 polling centres, including postal ballots, had been completed.

BNP chairman Tarique Rahman, whose party is expected to cross the majority mark required to form government, has asked supporters to postpone celebrations following the recent death of his mother, former prime minister Khaleda Zia. He called on party workers to offer prayers for her after Friday congregational prayers.

The election is widely viewed as a pivotal moment in Bangladesh’s political history, taking place after Khaleda Zia’s death and the ban on the Awami League led by former prime minister Sheikh Hasina. Analysts say the outcome could signal the end of the long-standing “Battle of Begums” era that shaped the country’s politics for decades.

Despite the strong early showing, official results have not yet been announced by the Bangladesh Election Commission. Authorities are expected to issue certified figures after counting is completed.