The Tarique Rahman-led Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has secured a landslide victory in Bangladesh’s parliamentary election, winning 209 seats and achieving a two-thirds majority in the 300-member Jatiya Sangsad.
Local television stations reported that the BNP-led coalition crossed the majority threshold in the overnight vote count following Thursday’s polling. The election marked the country’s first national vote since the 2024 Gen Z-led uprising that removed former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from office.
The decisive outcome is expected to restore political stability in the nation of 175 million people. The vote followed months of unrest that disrupted daily life and impacted major industries, including the apparel sector. Bangladesh remains the world’s second-largest garment exporter.
Opinion polls had projected a BNP advantage, and the results aligned with those forecasts. After confirming victory, the party thanked voters and called for national prayers instead of celebratory rallies. The BNP urged supporters to avoid public processions.
Rahman’s campaign platform included financial support for low-income families, a 10-year limit for an individual to remain prime minister, increased foreign investment, and stronger anti-corruption measures.
The Islamist Jamaat-e-Islami alliance secured 68 seats. Its leader Shafiqur Rahman conceded defeat and pledged constructive opposition. The youth-led National Citizen Party won five seats.
Voter turnout reportedly exceeded 60 percent, surpassing the 42 percent recorded in the 2024 election. More than 2,000 candidates and 50 political parties contested, marking a record level of participation.
A constitutional referendum was held alongside the election. Proposed reforms included establishing a neutral interim government during election periods and introducing a two-term limit for the prime minister. Preliminary media reports indicated strong support, although official results are pending.
From exile in India, Hasina described the election as illegitimate and called for its cancellation.
Last modified: February 13, 2026
