By Blessing Nweke
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has claimed victory in the South Asian country’s first election since the 2024 uprising, positioning itself to form the next government and potentially reshape Bangladesh’s political landscape after years of intense rivalry and disputed polls.
In a post on X on Friday, the party’s media unit said it had secured enough parliamentary seats to govern independently. While final results have yet to be formally announced by the Election Commission, several local media outlets reported that the BNP had won a majority.
The BNP is headed by Tarique Rahman, 60, who returned to Bangladesh in December after 17 years in self-exile in London. He is the son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, who died in December. Senior BNP leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi congratulated voters on what he described as a decisive mandate. Saleh Shibly, Rahman’s press secretary, said the party leader urged supporters to offer special prayers during Friday services rather than hold street celebrations.
The U.S. Embassy in Dhaka congratulated Rahman and his party, calling it a “historic victory.” U.S. Ambassador Brent T. Christensen said Washington looked forward to working with the new leadership to advance shared goals of prosperity and security.
The vote, held Thursday under tight security, was widely seen as a critical test of democratic stability following the 2024 student-led revolt that forced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina into exile in India.
For much of the past 15 years, the BNP remained in opposition, alleging vote rigging and political repression. Corruption cases against Rahman were dropped after Hasina’s government collapsed, clearing the path for his political return.
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