Tarique Rahman has made a dramatic political comeback after returning from 17 years of exile, leading the Bangladesh Nationalist Party to a sweeping victory in the Bangladesh election 2026. The BNP chairman won from two constituencies, Dhaka 17 and Bogura 6, marking what many observers describe as a striking political debut in the country’s history.
The election, held on February 12, is the first national vote since the 2024 uprising that ended the long rule of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
According to provisional results reported by Jamuna TV, the BNP and its allies secured 211 of the 299 parliamentary seats, while the alliance led by Jamaat-e-Islami won around 70 seats.
Official confirmation from the Election Commission of Bangladesh is still awaited.
Speaking after the results indicated a clear majority, Rahman said his party would not organise a victory rally. He earlier struck a conciliatory tone upon his return to Dhaka on December 25, 2025, when he stepped onto the soil at Hazrat Shah Jalal International Airport and called for unity. In his speech, he emphasised inter communal and inter ethnic harmony and rejected allegations made by political opponents, particularly the Awami League.
The political landscape in Bangladesh has long been dominated by two rival camps, the Awami League and the BNP. Rahman, the son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, who passed away in December, was unable to contest elections in 2006 amid political turmoil. His return late last year signalled a new phase in the country’s politics.
Jamaat e Islami leaders have said they are not satisfied with the vote count and have raised what they described as serious concerns about the integrity of the results process. Alongside the parliamentary election, a referendum was also held on political reforms, including possible term limits for the prime minister and stronger checks on executive authority.
International reactions followed swiftly. Narendra Modi congratulated Rahman and said India would continue to support a democratic, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh. Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also extended their congratulations, calling the victory decisive and resounding. Mallikarjun Kharge, president of the Indian National Congress, said in a message that he congratulated Rahman and the BNP on their historic electoral success.
With a reported voter turnout of over 55 percent among more than 127 million eligible voters, the Bangladesh election 2026 marks a turning point.
