New Delhi: Bangladesh Nationalist Party chief Tarique Rahman has emerged victorious in both constituencies he contested as vote counting progressed following Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary elections held on February 12. The polls are being seen as a major political turning point after the interim administration took charge in August 2024 following the collapse of the Awami League government.
According to the Dhaka Tribune, citing BNP Media Cell member Shairul Kabir Khan, Rahman secured wins from the Dhaka-17 and Bogra-6 constituencies.
BNP ahead in early trends
Preliminary counting trends indicate that the BNP is in a commanding position. Early results show the party leading in 60 constituencies. Jamaat-e-Islami is ahead in 18 seats, while the National Citizens Party is leading in one constituency.
Election Commission Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed said that approximately 48 per cent voter turnout was recorded nationwide until 2 pm, as reported by state-run BSS news agency.
Voting held under tight security
Voting took place in 299 out of 300 constituencies across the country. Balloting began at 7:30 am local time and concluded at 4:30 pm. However, in polling stations where voters were still waiting in queues at closing time, authorities allowed the process to continue until all present had cast their ballots.
The election in one constituency was cancelled following the death of a candidate.
The parliamentary elections were conducted alongside a nationwide referendum on an 84-point reform package aimed at restructuring governance and administrative mechanisms.
Yunus calls for unity after polls
Soon after voting ended, Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus thanked citizens for participating in both the general election and the referendum.
“I call upon political parties and candidates to uphold democratic decency, tolerance, and mutual respect even after the final results are announced. Differences of opinion will exist, but in the national interest, we must remain united,” he said.
“We will move forward collectively toward building an accountable, inclusive, and justice-based state,” he added. “Let’s work together in this journey to strengthen democracy.”
Awami League absent from contest
This election marks the first national vote since the disbanding of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League. The interim administration led by Muhammad Yunus barred the party from contesting after it was dissolved last year.
The contest is widely viewed as a direct battle between the BNP and its former ally Jamaat-e-Islami, reshaping Bangladesh’s political landscape in the absence of the Awami League.