BNP leads early trends as voting and counting unfold in landmark polls
Dhaka: Bangladesh held its 13th National Parliamentary Election on February 12, 2026, in what is widely seen as a pivotal moment in the country’s democratic transition. The polls mark the first major election since the 2024 Gen-Z-led uprising that overthrew former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s long-standing government and reshaped the nation’s political landscape.
The voting began at 7:30 am local time across 299 constituencies, with ballots cast until 4:30 pm amidst tight security and a generally peaceful atmosphere at polling stations nationwide. Early reports describe long queues and a strong turnout, reflecting high public engagement in the democratic process.
In these elections, more than 127 million eligible voters participated, choosing representatives for 300 of 350 parliamentary seats, with 50 additional seats reserved for women filled by proportional representation after the direct vote.
The political contest took shape mainly between the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by Tarique Rahman, and an 11-party alliance headed by Jamaat-e-Islami. Rahman returned from nearly two decades in exile and emerged as a central figure in the campaign, promising reforms, anti-corruption measures, and economic revival.
Notably, the Awami League, Bangladesh’s dominant party for decades under Sheikh Hasina, did not participate after its registration was suspended by the interim government — a move that has drawn criticism from its leaders, who labelled the polls a “farce” and called for fresh elections.
Despite isolated incidents and security concerns, voting and vote counting began swiftly after polls closed, with BNP candidates showing strong early leads in many seats. The results are expected to shape Bangladesh’s governance direction and regional relations in the years ahead.
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