All eyes on Tarique Rahman as BNP set to form government

A new chapter is set to unfold in Bangladesh politics, as BNP is poised to form a government after securing a two-thirds majority in the national election, held largely in a peaceful atmosphere following years of uncontested polls.

The party's media unit said on X Friday that BNP has secured enough parliamentary seats to govern independently.

Although the Election Commission is yet to release the final tally, unofficial results show that BNP has crossed the 151-seat mark required for a majority in Parliament.

This outcome marks a remarkable comeback for BNP and its leader, Tarique Rahman, positioning him to potentially become Bangladesh's next prime minister.

Just two years ago, Tarique was living in self-imposed exile in London while many BNP members and supporters faced imprisonment under Sheikh Hasina's regime.

Meanwhile, BNP has extended heartfelt congratulations to the people of the country after the decisive election victory.

The party has announced that Friday prayers will be offered in mosques in the country after Jum'a, seeking eternal peace for the late Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, and for the well-being of the nation, according to the party's media cell.

The party said that no rallies or public meetings will be held to celebrate the victory.

BNP has urged its leaders, activists, and the general people at all level,s along with members of its affiliated parties, to participate in the nationwide prayers at mosques.

Besides, it called upon the people of all faiths to offer prayers at temples, churches, pagodas, and other places of worship for the prosperity and welfare of the nation.

The United States has congratulated the people of Bangladesh for holding a successful national election.

In a Facebook post, the US embassy in Dhaka extended greetings to the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its leader, Tarique Rahman, on a 'historic victory'.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday conveyed his warm congratulations to Tarique Rahman on leading BNP to a decisive victory in the Parliamentary elections in Bangladesh.

"This victory shows the trust of the people of Bangladesh in your leadership," Modi said in a message.

India will continue to stand in support of a democratic, progressive, and inclusive Bangladesh, he said.

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has also congratulated Tarique Rahman on "leading the BNP to a resounding victory" in the elections.

"I look forward to working closely with the new Bangladesh leadership to further strengthen our historic, brotherly multifaceted bilateral relations and advance our shared goals of peace, stability, and development in South Asia and beyond," he wrote on X.

Millions of voters cast their ballots in a festive atmosphere across the country, with long queues seen at most polling centres from early morning.

Voting began at 7:30 am and continued until 4:30 pm, followed by counting.

The Election Commission Secretariat said around 9 pm that voter turnout averaged 60.69 percent.

Voting in 42,651 centres across 299 constituencies concluded largely peacefully, with only isolated incidents of scuffles and tension reported.

With the election win of BNP, Bangladesh is set to have a male prime minister for the first time in 35 years.

The last male Prime Minister was Kazi Zafar Ahmed, who assumed office in 1988 during the rule of Hussain Muhammad Ershad.

Since his departure in 1990, the country's top executive office had alternated between Khaleda Zia and Sheikh Hasina.

Tarique Rahman returned to Bangladesh from London last in December after nearly two decades abroad, responding to what many described as a growing demand for new leadership.

The enthusiasm surrounding his return appears to have culminated in the 12 February election results.

Throughout the campaign, Tarique laid emphasis on youth empowerment, women's advancement, and farmers' welfare.

In a country where women make up nearly half the population and thousands of young graduates enter the job market every year, he repeatedly underscored the need to harness youth potential to build a "new Bangladesh."