Bangladesh’s BNP wins two-thirds majority in landmark election

Dhaka, February 13, 2026: The Bangladesh National Party (BNP) achieved a historic victory in the general elections on Friday, securing a decisive two-thirds majority. The win is expected to bring political stability after months of unrest following the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in a Gen Z-led uprising.

According to the latest counts, the BNP and its allies won at least 212 of the 299 seats in the Jatiya Sangsad, Bangladesh’s parliament. The main opposition, Jamaat-e-Islami and its allies, secured 70 seats. This marks BNP’s return to power after 20 years, with leader Tarique Rahman, son of former president Ziaur Rahman, widely expected to become the next prime minister. Rahman returned to Dhaka in December 2025 after 18 years abroad.

Despite the landslide win, the BNP announced that there would be no celebratory rallies or processions. Instead, they called for special prayers nationwide for the country and its people. A clear electoral outcome is seen as critical for stability in the Muslim-majority nation of 175 million, especially after months of anti-Hasina unrest disrupted industries such as garments, in which Bangladesh is a global leader.

The elections also featured a constitutional referendum. Over 2 million voters chose “Yes” while more than 850,000 voted “No” on reforms, including two-term limits for prime ministers, stronger judicial independence, more women’s representation, and the establishment of a second parliamentary house. Results of the referendum are yet to be officially announced.

Nighttime celebrations at BNP headquarters in Dhaka saw supporters cheering and waving banners of Tarique Rahman. Shafiqur Rahman, leader of Jamaat-e-Islami, conceded defeat and promised that his party would engage in positive politics instead of opposition for opposition’s sake. Meanwhile, the National Citizen Party (NCP), led by youth activists, won just five of the 30 seats it contested.

With voter turnout exceeding expectations, media reported more than 60% participation, surpassing the 42% turnout of 2024. Analysts say BNP’s win is one of the largest in the nation’s history, even surpassing its 2001 victory when it won 193 seats.