Sunday Feb 22, 2026
Sunday Feb 22, 2026
Monday, 16 February 2026 02:50 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Bangladesh’s Opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) swept to a decisive victory in Friday’s Parliamentary Election, according to local television projections, clinching a strong mandate in a vote widely viewed as critical to restoring political stability in the South Asian nation.
The poll, held on Thursday (12), marked the country’s first national election since the 2024 youth-led uprising that forced out long-serving Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
A clear result had been seen as essential to steadying the Muslim-majority country of 175 million after months of violent unrest linked to anti-Hasina protests disrupted daily life and weighed on key sectors, including the apparel industry in the world’s second-largest garment exporter.
It was also the first national ballot following a wave of youth-driven protests across the region. Nepal is scheduled to hold elections next month.
The BNP is headed by Tarique Rahman, 60, a leading contender for Prime Minister and the son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and former President Ziaur Rahman.
