Dhaka: The Bangladesh Nationalist Party on Friday won a landslide victory in the general elections with a two-thirds majority. The result is expected to bring stability to the country after months of tension following the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
According to domestic TV channels, the BNP and its allies have won at least 212 of the 299 seats, while the opposition Jamaat-e-Islami and its allies have won 70 seats in the 'Jatiya Sansad' (Parliament). The BNP, which returned to power after 20 years, has thanked the people and appealed for special prayers for the prosperity of the country, although the party has banned any kind of celebration or rally despite the huge victory.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Tariq Rahman on the victory of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). Prime Minister Modi said that this victory reflects the confidence of the people of Bangladesh in his leadership. In a post on X (X), PM Modi wrote, "I warmly congratulate Mr. Tariq Rahman for leading the BNP to a decisive victory in the parliamentary elections in Bangladesh. This victory reflects the confidence of the people of Bangladesh in your leadership." He added that India will continue to support a democratic and progressive Bangladesh and looks forward to strengthening bilateral relations.
Prime Minister Modi wrote, "India will continue to stand in support of a democratic, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh. I look forward to working with you to strengthen our multifaceted ties and advance our shared development goals."
BNP leader Tariq Rahman is likely to be sworn in as the Prime Minister after this victory. He returned to Dhaka in December after 18 years of exile. Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus was acting as interim chief after Hasina left the country in August 2024. The voting percentage in the elections is expected to be over 60 percent. On the other hand, Jamaat-e-Islami chief Shafiqur Rahman has accepted defeat and promised to do 'meaningful politics'. Along with the elections, a referendum was also held on constitutional reforms, which include changes such as a two-term limit for the prime minister and impartial interim governments. This victory of the BNP is considered bigger than the 193-seat victory in 2001.