Kathmandu/Dhaka (Agencies): The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), founded by former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, has secured a clear parliamentary majority in Bangladesh’s 13th National Parliament election, according to the latest results from the ongoing vote count.

Led by party chairman Tarique Rahman—who returned to the country after 17 years in exile—the BNP achieved what party leaders described as a “historic victory.” Rahman, the son of Khaleda Zia, is now set to become Bangladesh’s next Prime Minister.

According to the latest figures, the BNP has won 213 seats in the 299-member parliament. The Jamaat-e-Islami-led alliance, often described by analysts as having pro-Pakistan leanings, secured 58 seats. A student-led party that emerged from the 2024 uprising performed poorly, winning only six seats.

Political observers say Bangladesh is entering a new phase following the 1971 Liberation War and the 2024 student-led uprising that ended the 15-year rule of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Congratulations from the United States and India

The United States Embassy in Dhaka congratulated the BNP and Tarique Rahman on their “historic victory,” expressing hope for cooperation in advancing shared goals of prosperity and security.

India has also been closely monitoring the election outcome. Last month, India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar attended the funeral of Khaleda Zia and met with Tarique Rahman, signaling diplomatic engagement ahead of the polls.

Strategic experts in New Delhi believe that while the BNP may not be as overtly India-friendly as Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League, it is also not considered anti-India. The election outcome is being viewed as a relief for India, especially amid concerns that Bangladesh’s political alignment could shift toward a Pakistan-China axis following the 2024 upheaval.

“Not a Time for Celebration” — Tarique Rahman

Despite the sweeping victory, Rahman urged party supporters to refrain from public celebrations.

“This is not a time for celebration; it is a time to protect the trust of the people,” he said, pledging that from the very first day of his government, steps would be taken to ensure ordinary citizens feel safe and secure.

Senior BNP leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi also called on party workers to offer prayers instead of taking to the streets in celebration.

BNP election committee spokesperson Mahdi Amin claimed the party was on track to secure a two-thirds majority, describing the result as a “landslide victory.”

First Election After 2024 Uprising

This election marks the first parliamentary vote since the July 2024 uprising that led to Sheikh Hasina’s ouster. Following her departure, an interim government led by Muhammad Yunus oversaw the transition and electoral process.

According to the Election Commission, 1,981 candidates contested across 299 constituencies, with approximately 127 million voters participating. Voting in one constituency was cancelled due to the death of a candidate.

Awami League Absent, Jamaat Main Challenger

With the Awami League absent from the race, the main contest unfolded between the BNP and an 11-party alliance led by Jamaat-e-Islami, which sought to position itself as the principal opposition force.

Referendum Held Alongside Election

Voters also participated in a referendum on the “July National Charter,” which includes proposals to:

• Limit the Prime Minister to two terms (10 years),
• Establish an upper house of parliament,
• Reinstate a 90-day caretaker government system before elections to ensure free and fair polls.

Awaiting Formal Announcement

Although the Election Commission has yet to issue the final official results, the current vote trend makes it clear that the BNP is poised to form the next government.

With this outcome, Bangladesh appears set to begin a new political chapter—one that could reshape both its domestic trajectory and its regional relationships in South Asia.