Bangladesh resumes its democratic journey today after a long 15 years of autocratic rule of Sheikh Hasina as Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairman Tarique Rahman was sworn-in as Prime Minister with its party’s landslide victory in 13th national polls. Tarique Rahman charismatically led his party to win in 211 seats in the parliamentary elections widely endorsed by the world, including the European Union (EU) election observers as they called the polls fair and credible saying no instance of fraudulence or vote rigging was found.

The nation participated in a free, fair election on 12 February, 2026, for what Bangladesh was waiting for almost 20 years. The people of Bangladesh had been dreaming of such competitive festive elections for long. Their dream finally came true in the second week of this month and they got a true elected prime minister indeed. Tarique Rahman has been the first elected premier by populist votes since 2008.

The Bangladesh people really lost confidence in the electoral process as they saw three rigged elections orchestrated by the fallen Awami League the party was deposed from the power in a student-mass uprising that saw almost 1,400 people to be killed and 20,000 to be injured. But, the nation this time rebounded in democratic norm that was lost by the voter less elections in 2014, night time elections in 2018 and dummy elections in 2024.

Tarique Rahman, son of Independence Proclaimer and slain President Ziaur Rahman and three times Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, appears to be a true statesman through democratic elections. But the way of his being statesmanship was not a bed of roses. He struggled inhuman and went through a lot of sufferings even staying in exile. He struggled for democracy, he fought with a fascist government for returning the rights to freedom of expression to the people, freedom of press, the rights to vote etc, resulting in 2024 July Uprising and thereafter a free, fair election in 2026.

Tarique Rahman has long been a central figure in Bangladesh’s political discourse. His elevation to the premiership is seen by many within BNP as the continuation of a political legacy blended with promises of reform and modernization.

Tarique Rahman started his debut in the politics in 1988 by getting primary membership in Gabtali Upazila, the historic birthplace of his father Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, under Bogura district located in northern Bangladesh. He became a member of the Bogra district BNP in 1993. He got opportunity to draw public opinion in favor of his party in 1991 parliamentary elections. In the capacity of National Campaign Strategy Committee member of the party, Tarique Rahman coordinated the election campaign of five constituencies his mother Khaleda Zia was contesting. Her thumping victory in all five constituencies proved his worth as a meticulous organizer to assume a future leadership role in the party.

Tarique Rahman learned politics for the welfare of the people and the country during his early age as he was closely observing his mother’s generosity to the people and struggle for democracy against another autocrat Ershad rule. He inherited a good political norms and values from his parents and he also took over another responsibility of electioneering in 2001. Tarique Rahman proved again his leadership wisdom within the party as his strategy was a great hit in creating a nationwide wave in favor of the ‘paddy sheath’ symbol. His party won the elections with a two-thirds majority. Following the victory, the BNP Standing Committee, the highest decision-making body, unanimously appointed him as the Senior Joint Secretary-General in 2002.

Thus, when he was emerging in politics, conspiracies were there to exterminate him forever. Then, the infamous army-backed illegitimate 1/11 caretaker government came. He was subjected to intrigues by Awami League and their associates at home and abroad. His estrangement from politics was sought by the 1/11 government through a series of utterly cruel, mischievous, and conspiracy acts. He was put to physical and mental torture by law enforcement and secret service agencies to demoralize him not to continue in politics. At one stage, he was imprisoned and tortured brutally in confinement for months together, disregarding the law of the land.

At one stage, he left the country with grave spinal injury for London to get medical treatment, choosing the path of staying in exile by force. But his indomitable spirit and unwavering commitment to his people couldn’t stop him, rather stand still with head high, struggled for the emancipation of the people of the country, leading the nation online form the UK. Tarique Rahman was in constant touch with his fellow party workers to keep their spirits high and to continue to fight against the misrule of the Sheikh Hasina government as marked with anarchy, injustice, maladministration, corruption, curtailment of people’s right to vote, abrogation of fundamental rights, and the like. The fascist regime of Hasina filed seventeen fabricated cases in absentia against Tarique Rahman as a ploy to bar him from politics. He was the victim of political vengeance of the ousted fascist regime of Sheikh Hasina. Even his parents’ cantonment home was raged to the ground by Hasina in a bid to harass the Zia family. Despite political vengeance and vilifications against him, Tarique Rahman’s popularity saw an astonishing rise. He stands tall as the leader of the masses. He is the true inheritor of the legacy of his father. A natural politician, Tarique Rahman kept his party united, and its grassroots base continues to expand and solidify with mass support.

Despite living abroad, Tarique Rahman was nominated acting chairman of his party as not being the son of BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia but with the quality of political wisdom and leadership eminence after her mother landed in jail in 2018 during Awami League misrule that is marked a another wrath of the deposed Sheikh Hasina on the Zia family.

While in exile, Tarique Rahman didn’t stop even for one day in struggle for realizing people’s rights. His fight for years and call to rise eventually awaken the nation as the people revolted against fascist Awami League rule, toppled Sheikh Hasina from the state power and forced her to flee the country, ending her almost 16 years autocratic rule on August 5, 2024, a new day for Bangladesh history.

Bangladesh became free again after 1971 Liberation War and the obstacles imposed on Tarique Rahman’s arrival to his beloved country were removed. Then the historic day 25 December, 2025 came when the valiant son of the nation Tarique Rahman touched down Bangladesh soil, strolled barefoot, took a fistful of soil and felt Bangladesh with the inner part of his heart. Then, his vibrant voice waived in a mammoth crowd saying, “I have a plan for the people and for the country”.

But, when the whole nation was like triumphant getting him after almost 17 years, Bangladesh got another bad news as his mother passed away just five days after his arrival. Then, on 9 January, 2026, he became his party’s chairman as many analysts see his rise inevitable.

Tarique Rahman’s rise in politics didn’t come inherently rather it was obvious for him to be at the helm of the state with leadership quality he acquired by political farsightedness, insights, dedication and wisdom. He gained steady ground through the combination of hard work, skill, and patience in the hearts of millions. He affirms the promises to take the nation out of the morass of misrule, non-governance, oppression, coercion, subjugation and present the people with the rights they could not enjoy under a fascist regime in hold of state power for more than one and a half decades. His promises win people’s hearts resulting in bringing landslide victory for BNP in national polls. Today, Bangladesh reemerged as a democratic country and restarted its democratic course as Tarique Rahman sworn in as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairman Tarique Rahman, elder son of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and late Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, today formed the government with a 49-member cabinet as he took oath as the prime minister for his first time. The cabinet members include 25 ministers and 24 state ministers. President Mohammed Shahabuddin administered the oath of office and oath of secrecy to Tarique Rahman and his new ministers at the open space of the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Complex at 4:00 pm. After the swearing-in, Tarique Rahman signed the oath of office and oath of secrecy.

The 25 ministers are: Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Amir Khoshru Mahmud Chowdhury, Salahuddin Ahmed, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud, Maj (retd) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed Bir Bikram, Abu Jafar Md Zahid Hossain, Dr Khalilur Rahman (Technocrat), Abdul Awal Mintoo, Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain Kaikobad, Mizanur Rahman Minu, Nitai Roy Chowdhury, Khandaker Abdul Muktadir, Ariful Haque Chowdhury, Zahir Uddin Swapon, Mohammad Amin Ur Rashid (Technocrat), Afroza Khanam Rita, Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie, Asadul Habib Dulu, Md Asaduzzaman, Zakaria Taher, Dipen Dewan, ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon, Sarder Md Sakhawat Hossain, Fakir Mahbub Anam, and Sheikh Rabiul Alam.

The 24 state ministers are-M Rashiduzzaman Millat, Anindya Islam Amit, Md Shariful Alam, Shama Obaed Islam, Sultan Salahuddin Tuku, Barrister Kaiser Kamal, Farhad Hossain Azad, Md Aminul Haq (technocrat), Mir Mohammad Helal Uddin, Habibur Rashid, Md Rajib Ahsan, Md Abdul Bari, Mir Shahe Alam, Zonayed Abdur Rahim Saki, widely known as Zonayed Saki, Ishraque Hossain, Farzana Sharmin, Shaikh Faridul Islam, Nurul Haque Nur, Yasser Khan Chowdhury, M Iqbal Hossain, MA Muhith, Ahammad Sohel Manjur, Bobby Hajjaj and Ali Newaz Mahmud Khaiyam.

Breaking with a long-standing tradition in the Bangladesh history, the swearing-in ceremony of the new government was held at the South Plaza of the Parliament Complex instead of Bangabhaban, the Presidential palace.

Diplomatic sources said the leaders of different countries including President of the Maldives Dr Mohamed Muizzu, Bhutanese Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay, Indian Lok Sabha (parliament) Speaker Om Birla, Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal Chaudhary, Nepal’s Foreign Minister Bala Nanda Sharma, Sri Lanka’s Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr Nalinda Jayatissa, among others, attended the ceremony.

Besides, guests present at the jam-packed glittering South Plaza of Bangladesh Parliament Complex included: Chief Justice, outgoing Chief adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and his council of advisers of the interim government, Chief Election Commissioner, Judges of the Supreme Court, MPs, political leaders, chiefs of the three services, members of diplomatic corps, senior journalists, and high civil and military officials.

Tarique Rahman’s spouse Dr. Zubaida Rahman and their daughter Barrister Zaima Rahman and other family members were present at the function.

Clad in black-suit with stripe and white shirt Tarique Rahman was looking very confident and lively at the South Plaza gathering. The historic venue was overflowing with about 1200 invited guests, while many of them were seen standing there also.

New Prime Minister as the Head of the Government was given a standing ovation when he entered the place of oath-taking ceremony.

Minutes later President Shahabuddin entered the venue where the Prime Minister took oath at 4.00 pm.
The ceremony began with the recitation from the holy Quran.

Tarique Rahman took oath first pledging to preserve, protect and defend the national constitution and the state sovereignty.

Cabinet Secretary Dr Nasimul Gani conducted the oath-taking ceremony.

On February 12, the 13th Jatiya Sangsad (JS) polls coincided with the referendum was held in 299 seats. The BNP attained a resounding victory bagging 209 seats with the ‘Sheaf of Paddy’ symbol.

Their one-time ally Jamaat-e-Islami will now play their role as the main opposition in the Jatiya Sangsad with 68 seats.

Other parties and independent candidates have won the remaining seats.

Earlier, people had assembled in processions from different parts of the capital, chanting slogans hailing Tarique Rahman, the leader of the young.

The chief adviser’s special assistant on ICT and Telecommunications, Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, left Bangladesh for Germany on Saturday through Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka. HSIA executive director SM Ragib Samad, also Bangladesh Air Force group captain, said that Faiz Ahmed Taiyeb left Bangladesh for Germany by an Emirates flight EK 583 at about 9:55am on Saturday.

An official of the ministry said that he had taken farewell from both ICT and Telecom divisions on February 9 and February 10.

‘As the new lawmakers’ gazette has published, he will go back to his own work,’ he added.

Posts, telecommunications and information technology ministry’s public relations officer Jashim Uddin could not be reached over the phone despite several attempts. On March 5, 2025, Yunus-led interim appointed Taiyeb as the special assistant to the chief adviser with the status of a state minister. On January 14, 2026, Taiyeb was also appointed as a member of the board of directors at the Biman Bangladesh Airlines. Taiyeb graduated from the electrical engineering department at the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology.

Tanvir Hasan: After securing a sweeping majority in the 13th National Parliamentary Election, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party is preparing to form the new government. The government has already published the official gazette listing the elected members of parliament. According to Article 148 of the Constitution, elected representatives must take oath within three days of the publication of the official results. The elected members of the 13th National Parliamentary Election will take their oaths on Tuesday, and the cabinet will also take their oaths later that day. Election Commission Secretary Akhtar Ahmed confirmed the schedule at a press briefing on Saturday.

Party sources say Tarique Rahman is set to assume office as Prime Minister after the government is formed. Alongside experienced politicians, the party plans to assign key responsibilities to younger and highly educated leaders. A blend of senior and new leadership is expected in important ministries such as Home Affairs, Law, Finance, and Foreign Affairs.

Several BNP policymakers have indicated that the cabinet will not be overly large. It is expected to consist of between 32 and 42 members. BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman has already begun consultations with senior leaders regarding the formation of the cabinet. However, the allocation of specific ministries will be known only after the oath ceremony.

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed said the nation will need to wait a little longer to see the final shape of the cabinet.

For the post of Foreign Minister, BNP Joint Secretary General Humayun Kabir is being discussed, given his active role in strengthening the party’s international relations. Dr Reza Kibria is being considered for the position of Finance Minister. He previously served as a senior economist at the International Monetary Fund.

Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury is being considered for the Commerce Ministry, a position he held in the past. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir is being discussed for the Local Government Ministry. He previously served as State Minister for Agriculture and later for Civil Aviation and Tourism.

Former Attorney General and senior Supreme Court lawyer Md Asaduzzaman is being mentioned for the Law Ministry. Salahuddin Ahmed is also in discussion for the Home Ministry, while Mirza Abbas is being considered for the Road Transport and Bridges Ministry.

Dr AZM Zahid Hossain is likely to take charge of the Health Ministry, and Ruhul Kabir Rizvi is being discussed for the Information Ministry. Other names reportedly under consideration include Nazrul Islam Khan, Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Major (Retd.) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, Selima Rahman, Andaleeve Rahman Partho, Mizanur Rahman Minu and Shama Obayed, among others.

There is also speculation that the presidency may see a change after the new government is formed. Senior Standing Committee member Dr Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain is being discussed for the post. However, if Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir is nominated for president, a major reshuffle in the cabinet could follow.

Other figures being discussed include Ashrafuddin Nizam, Zonayed Saki, Ishraq Hossain, Abdul Awal Mintoo, Andaleeve Rahman Partho, Nitai Roy Chowdhury, Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain Kaikobad, Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Anee, Anindya Islam Amit, Khandaker Abdul Muktadir, Ariful Haque Chowdhury, Osman Faruque, Bobby Hajjaj, Hummam Quader Chowdhury, Nayab Yusuf, Zahir Uddin Swapan, Barrister Farzana Sharmeen Putul, Nurul Haq Nur, Naoshad Zamir, Mir Helal, Asadul Habib Dulu, Ali Asghar Lobby, Ruhul Quddus Talukder Dulu, and Md Shariful Alam.

Ultimately, the final composition of the cabinet will depend on the decision of the party’s Standing Committee and Chairperson Tarique Rahman. As Prime Minister, he may revise the final list at any time, according to party insiders. The newly elected MPs will be sworn in Tuesday morning by Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin, while President Md Sahabuddin will administer the oath to the cabinet members in the afternoon.

Under the Constitution, the President will appoint as Prime Minister the parliamentary leader of the party that secures a majority in the National Parliament. As per convention, after the elected members are sworn in at the Parliament Secretariat, both the ruling party and the opposition will hold separate meetings to elect their parliamentary leaders.

The elected parliamentary leader of the majority party or alliance will then pay a courtesy call on the President at Bangabhaban. During that meeting, the President will formally invite the leader to form the government.

Following this invitation, the Prime Minister-designate will submit the names of ministers, state ministers, and deputy ministers to the President. The President will immediately forward the list to the Cabinet Division, which will complete preparations for the oath ceremony at the earliest possible time.

The Cabinet Secretary will personally call each designated cabinet member, inviting them to attend the oath ceremony at Bangabhaban. Official vehicles will also be sent to their residences. Sources said the Cabinet Division has already collected the names and personal phone numbers of the newly elected MPs. New folders and flags have been procured for the oath ceremony, and official vehicles have been made ready for the incoming cabinet members.

The oath-taking ceremony of the newly elected members of parliament will take place on Tuesday. Parliament Secretariat Secretary Kaniz Moul confirmed the date on Saturday. Another official said the new government may take oath the same day. Buoyed by a decisive mandate, the BNP is set to return to power after two decades.

Emerging from 17 years of self-imposed exile in the UK, Tarique Rahman has led the party to an absolute majority in a historic election — the first in Bangladesh held without the Awami League, which was barred from contesting in the aftermath of the 2024 Uprising. Parliamentary polls were held on Thursday across 299 constituencies, with results declared in 297 seats.

The BNP emerged dominant, winning 209 seats. Its former ally, the Jamaat-e-Islami, secured 68 seats, positioning itself as the principal opposition force in the new parliament. Late on Friday night, Election Commission Secretary Akhtar Ahmed published the official gazette naming the 297 elected lawmakers.

Even as the formalities move forward, uncertainty persists over who will administer the oath to the newly elected MPs, as the speaker of the outgoing parliament, Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, remains out of public view. Amid the discussion, Cabinet Secretary Sheikh Abdur Rashid said on Saturday that, under the Constitution, the president will administer the oath of office to the cabinet.

Speaking to reporters at his Secretariat office earlier in the day, he said that in the absence of a speaker or deputy speaker, the chief justice or the chief election commissioner is also constitutionally empowered to swear in members of parliament.

Following the parliamentary elections in 2024, Shirin Sharmin assumed office as speaker when the Awami League formed the government. She is now facing cases. The then deputy speaker Shamsul Haque Tuku, who is also a suspect in multiple cases, is currently in jail, creating a procedural complication over the administration of oaths for the new MPs. Asked about the timeline, the cabinet secretary said the gazette notification had already been issued and that, under the law, lawmakers must take their oaths within three days.

“That three-day period will begin tomorrow and [MPs] must take oath by the 17th [of February],” he said.

He added that once the oath process is completed, the parties represented in parliament will select their respective parliamentary leaders. The leader chosen by the majority will then formally inform the president that he commands the confidence of the majority of members.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin today said the 13th national election is one of the good elections in the country’s history in any standard. He made the remarks at an official briefing from the Central Results Collection and Presentation Centre at Election Commission (EC) here.

The CEC said, “If you judge, it can be considered a pretty good election. I am feeling good. We promised to present an election in a festive atmosphere. We promised to present a completely neutral and credible election to the nation and we do believe we have achieved it. Everyone is recognising this.”

Expressing his gratitude to media and the country’s people, he said, “We are grateful to journalists, people, voters and political leaders.”

“With the overall cooperation of all, we have been able to present an acceptable election,” he said.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairman Tarique Rahman on Saturday said the party will follow a foreign policy that protects the country’s interests in its dealings with China, India, and Pakistan. Speaking to journalists at a post-election press conference at Hotel Intercontinental in Dhaka, Tarique said Bangladesh’s foreign policy will be guided by “the greater interests of Bangladesh and its people.”

Asked about the main challenges he would face as head of government, Tarique said, “We have several challenges. Our economy faces challenges, and the country’s law and order situation is a concern. We must ensure the security of the people. The previous government politicized almost all institutions. Therefore, we must ensure good governance.”

On Bangladesh’s future relations with China and the Belt and Road Initiative, Tarique said: “We will try to protect the interests of the people of Bangladesh. If something is not in Bangladesh’s interest, naturally we cannot pursue it. I am certain that mutual interests will be our first priority.”

Regarding the Belt and Road Initiative, he added: “If it benefits Bangladesh and supports the economy, we will make a decision.” When asked whether he would consult with youth in decision-making, Tarique said, “People have supported us, and we will certainly listen to the youth. But there are more people in this society. Everyone has some issue or the other; we have to listen to everyone.”

On reviving SAARC, Tarique said: “You know, SAARC was established through Bangladesh’s initiative. We want it to function. We will discuss with our friendly states and try to revive SAARC.”

Asked whether BNP would seek the extradition of Sheikh Hasina from India, he said: “That depends on the legal process.” Responding to another question on China, Tarique said: “They have been Bangladesh’s long-term development partners. We hope to create areas where we can work together.”

On plans to address a fragile economy, low investment, and inflation, the BNP chairman said: “We will bring in new investments and create employment.”

Tarique Rahman, chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), on Saturday called for maintaining law and order “at any cost” and sought cooperation from all in building a safe and humane Bangladesh. “We need everyone’s cooperation to build a safe and humane Bangladesh. This time, everyone must play a responsible role in rebuilding the country. No injustice can be done to anyone on any excuse. Law and order must be maintained at any cost,” Tarique said.

He made the remarks at an official press briefing in the afternoon at Hotel InterContinental in the capital after securing an absolute majority in the election. Tarique said the freedom-loving people of the country had made BNP victorious, describing the outcome as “the victory of the people.”

“From today, everyone is free. Congratulations to all. With the participation of all, the journey of a fascism-free state has begun in the country,” the BNP chairman said. He noted that besides BNP, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, NCP and Islami Andolon Bangladesh also participated in the election, which he described as peaceful. “Everyone’s thoughts are important in building the country. We will build the country based on everyone’s opinions,” Tarique said.

The BNP chairman thanked the Election Commission and congratulated the administration and all election officials. “Without your cooperation, such a beautiful election would not have been possible,” he added. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and other top party leaders were present at the press conference. Representatives of allied parties of the simultaneous movement and distinguished citizens were also in attendance.

Although it was a press briefing, a festive atmosphere prevailed as newly elected members of parliament from across the country and well-wishers gathered at the venue. Representatives of foreign media were also present.

After a landslide victory with over two-thirds of parliamentary seats, the International Crisis Group on Friday said BNP will need to announce a strong cabinet and hit the ground running if it is to deliver on its ambitious election promises and meet the aspirations of the people of Bangladesh. ‘The BNP administration that is expected to take office in the coming days faces a number of daunting challenges, including boosting the economy, ensuring security and continuing the reform process,’ said Thomas Kean, Crisis Group’s Senior Consultant on Myanmar and Bangladesh.

Given the importance of this election in restoring faith in the democratic process among Bangladeshis, he said, it is also vital that any allegations of irregularities are taken seriously and the Election Commission handles them in a transparent manner in line with the law. The International Crisis Group is an independent organisation working to prevent wars and shape policies that will build a more peaceful world.

Kean said Bangladesh’s first ‘credible election’ in 17 years has been completed smoothly, with only isolated reports of violence or irregularities. The vote marks an important step towards the restoration of genuine democracy in Bangladesh, he said. The participating political parties, the interim government, the Election Commission and security agencies, not to mention the people of Bangladesh, deserve credit for their contributions to ensuring a safe and credible vote, Kean said.

The atmosphere was largely ‘festive, with voters appearing optimistic’ that the election would lead to lasting change in Bangladesh. ‘The turnout and strong support for a yes vote in the concurrent referendum on the July Charter – a series of reforms negotiated by all participating parties over the last year – reflect the credibility of both the election and reform process in the eyes of most Bangladeshis,’ Kean said.

The country’s largest islamist party, Jamaat-e-Islami, has recorded its best ever performance, he said. Together with some leaders of the student-led National Citizen Party who have also secured parliamentary seats, it now has the numbers to form a strong opposition capable of holding the government accountable, Kean said.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) clinched a landslide victory with over two-thirds majority in the 13th general elections held on Thursday amid festivity allowing the BNP-led alliance to form the next government. The massive victory has paved the way for BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman to lead the government as the Prime Minister for the first time.

The Election Commission (EC) announced the unofficial results of 297 parliamentary seats out of the 299 where elections were held in a free and fair manner. It, however, postponed announcement of results in two seats – Chattogram-2 and Chattogram-4. However, voting in Sherpur-3 constituency was postponed due to death of a Jamaat-e-Islami candidate. According to the unofficial results, the BNP bagged 209 seats alone while its alliance partners Gano Odhikar Parishad one, Bangladesh Jatiya Party (BJP) one and Gano Sanghati Andalon one.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami secured 68 seats alone emerging as the main opposition party while its alliance partners National Citizen Party (NCP) won six seats, Bangladesh Khilafat Majlis two and Khelafat Majlish one. Islami Andolon Bangladesh bagged one seat and independent candidates won in seven constituencies. Meanwhile, the United States of America (USA), China, India and Pakistan congratulated Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairman Tarique Rahman for the party’s historic landslide victory in the 13th National Parliament Election.

According to the Election Commission, the voter turnout in the parliamentary polls was recorded 59.44 percent while it was 60.26 in the referendum. The referendum witnessed 4,80,74,429 ‘Yes’ votes and 2,25,65,627 ‘No’ votes. Foreign observers and independent polls monitoring groups said the election was held in a free, fair and peaceful manner, maintaining the world standard.

Earlier, voting began at 7:30 am across 42,779 polling centres in 299 constituencies nationwide. A total of 12,77,11,793 voters were registered to cast their ballots, including 6,48,25,361 males, 6,28,85,200 females, and 1,232 from the third gender. A total of 50 political parties contested the polls with 2,028 candidates including 273 independent, while BNP fielded the highest number of candidates of 291. Besides, a total of 83 female candidates contested the polls.

According to the EC, some 800,000 officials, apart from those involved in maintaining security and law and order, were on election duties. They included 69 returning officers, 598 assistant returning officers, 42,779 presiding officers, 247,482 assistant presiding officers and 4,95,964 polling officers. Besides, About 15,000 officials are engaged in postal voting duties.

EC officials earlier said that of the security personnel deployed, 103,000 were army troops, 8,500 navy sailors and airmen, alongside 37,453 paramilitary BGB soldiers and 3,585 paramilitary Coast Guard members. The number of policemen on poll duty was 187,603, while RAB personnel number was 9,349. The highest number of law enforcement personnel was drawn from Ansar, with personnel numbering 5,67,868.

Some 55,454 observers from 81 local organizations monitored the elections while the number of foreign poll monitors was 394. Nearly 200 foreign journalists arrived in Bangladesh to observe the elections and the referendum. Of the international observers, 80 represent various international organizations, while the rest come from different countries, including independent European observers.