BNP wins Bangladesh polls, Tarique Rahman set to be prime minister: Results
Al Jazeera
February 14, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) secured a decisive victory in the parliamentary elections, with leader Tarique Rahman poised to become the country’s next prime minister. According to official results, the BNP and its allies won at least 212 out of 299 seats, marking a significant margin over the opposition Jamaat-e-Islami, which claimed 77 seats. The interim leader, Muhammad Yunus, congratulated Rahman for the "landslide victory," acknowledging the party’s success in guiding Bangladesh toward stability and development.
The election results reflect a shift in political dynamics following last year’s uprising and subsequent transition period led by Yunus. While the BNP’s dominance is evident, challenges remain in consolidating its position. The National Citizen Party, part of the Jamaat-led alliance, underperformed despite its role in the protest movement, securing only six seats out of 30 contested.
Opposition parties have accepted the outcome, with Jamaat-e-Islami chief Shafiqur Rahman stating they respect the rule of law. Meanwhile, international figures like US Secretary of State Marco Rubio extended congratulations to the BNP and Bangladesh’s people, signaling potential shifts in global geopolitics. The BNP has requested calm celebrations, avoiding large rallies while focusing on prayers for unity.
This victory marks a turning point for Bangladesh, as Rahman prepares to lead the country through a post-uprising era. While the new government faces challenges such as governance inclusivity and economic development, the BNP’s strong mandate positions it to address these issues. The outcome also underscores the resilience of democratic processes in Bangladesh, despite past concerns about electoral integrity.
The implications of the BNP’s landslide victory extend beyond domestic politics, potentially reshaping regional dynamics and relations with global partners. As Rahman takes charge, the focus will be on whether his leadership can translate this electoral success into tangible progress for Bangladesh’s people. The world will watch closely to see how this chapter unfolds in the country’s ongoing journey toward stability and prosperity.
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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/14/2026