Bangladesh Election Results 2026: BNP Heads for Sweeping Victory; India, Pakistan Congratulate Tarique Rahman

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is heading for a decisive victory in the 2026 parliamentary elections, paving the way for Tarique Rahman to become Prime Minister after two decades. Leaders from India and Pakistan have extended congratulations.

Dhaka: The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) was on Friday cruising towards a sweeping victory in Bangladesh’s landmark 2026 parliamentary elections, marking a dramatic political comeback after nearly two decades out of power.

The outcome assumes particular significance as the polls were held after a prolonged period of political turmoil, instability and fragile security conditions. The crisis followed mass student-led protests that brought down the 15-year rule of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August last year.

With counting trends favouring the BNP across a majority of constituencies, the party’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman is widely expected to assume office as Prime Minister, replacing the interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus.

Political Transition After Turbulence

The election marked Bangladesh’s first national vote since the collapse of Hasina’s government, which had faced months of unrest and allegations of authoritarian governance. The political vacuum that followed was accompanied by sporadic violence and reports of attacks on minorities, heightening domestic and international scrutiny of the transition process.

A strong mandate for the BNP is being interpreted as a decisive shift in the country’s political landscape.

International Reactions

Leaders from neighbouring countries were quick to respond as trends indicated a BNP victory.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee congratulated Tarique Rahman for leading his party towards electoral success.

The United States Embassy in Dhaka also extended congratulations to the people of Bangladesh and to the BNP leadership. In a statement, it described the election as successful and termed the party’s performance a “historic victory”, expressing hope for continued cooperation to advance shared goals of prosperity and security.

While official responses from New Delhi and Islamabad were awaited at the time of reporting, diplomatic sources indicated that both India and Pakistan had conveyed congratulations to the incoming leadership.

A New Political Chapter

If confirmed, the BNP’s return to power would mark one of the most significant political shifts in Bangladesh’s recent history, reshaping regional diplomacy and domestic governance priorities.

The final results are expected to be formally announced by the Election Commission later in the day.

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