Dhaka erupted in celebration as the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) claimed a resounding victory in the recent national parliamentary elections. With vote counting completed after polling on February 12, the BNP, along with its alliance partners, secured 212 seats, while clinching 209 on its own merit. This overwhelming triumph has reshaped the political landscape of the nation.
The Election Commission released detailed party-wise vote data on Sunday, revealing that the BNP garnered an impressive 49.97% of the total votes cast. Close behind was Jamaat-e-Islami with 31.76%, but no other party came remotely near these figures. The National Citizen Party (NCP) managed just 3.05%, followed by Islami Andolan Bangladesh at 2.70% and Bangladesh Khilafat Majlis at 2.09%. Independent candidates collectively received 5.79%.
This decisive win for the BNP has stunned many observers while others saw it as the inevitable outcome of shifting public sentiment. For the first time, a national election doubled as a referendum, with 50 out of 59 registered parties contesting. Yet, only nine parties secured seats in parliament, leaving 41 others empty-handed despite fielding hundreds of candidates across constituencies.
Local media reports confirm that the new cabinet will take oath on February 17. With a massive majority, the BNP is gearing up to form the government. An official gazette listing the elected MPs has already been published. Per Article 148 of the constitution, lawmakers must swear in within three days of the official results. The Election Commission’s secretary, Akhtar Ahmad, confirmed the schedule during a press briefing.
Party insiders suggest Tarique Rahman will assume the role of Prime Minister post-government formation. The BNP plans to blend seasoned leaders with young, educated talent in key portfolios like home affairs, law, finance, and foreign affairs. This strategic mix signals a fresh era of governance focused on stability and progress.
As Bangladesh steps into this new chapter, all eyes are on how the BNP will address longstanding challenges, from economic recovery to political reconciliation. The election results underscore a clear mandate for change.