According to a report from Dhaka StandEarly counts on Friday morning showed the BNP leading in 151 constituencies. Early trends also indicated that Jamaat-e-Islami could emerge as the main opposition, with around 43 seats.
Rahman, the son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, formally became chairman of the BNP on January 9 after her death.
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The vote was also held alongside a nationwide referendum on an 84-point reform plan known as the July National Charter.
Prime Minister Modi congratulates Tariq Rahman
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday congratulated Rahman on the BNP’s strong performance in the elections.
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“India will remain committed to a democratic, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh. I look forward to working with you to strengthen our multifaceted relations and advance our common development goals,” he said.
First elections after political unrest
Bangladesh voted on Thursday after months of political uncertainty. The elections aimed to form a new parliament and replace the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus, who took charge after the collapse of the Awami League government in August 2024.
This was the country’s first national vote since former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was forced out of power. She fled Bangladesh on August 5, 2024 and has been living in India since then. Earlier, a court in Bangladesh had declared her a fugitive.
The referendum, held alongside the elections, focused on the July National Charter, a broad reform plan that includes constitutional, electoral and administrative changes.
Strained ties between India and Bangladesh
Relations between India and Bangladesh have remained tense since the Awami League government was overthrown. Concern grew over reported violence against minorities, especially the Hindu community.
India responded by restricting tourist visas for Bangladeshi citizens and withdrawing families of its diplomats from Dhaka over security concerns. A transshipment facility that allowed Bangladeshi exports to pass through Indian routes was also ended.
Recent incidents of violence, including the killings of political activists and attacks on minority communities, have further increased tensions.
Polls in Bangladesh: main contenders in the elections
Bangladesh’s political landscape changed sharply after Hasina’s departure. Her party, the Awami League, was banned by the interim government and did not participate in the elections.
The main struggle was confined to the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami. Rahman led the BNP campaign after returning from a long exile in London. He had spent years abroad while facing multiple cases during Hasina’s rule, all of which were later dropped.
The BNP, which is part of a multi-party alliance, has fielded many candidates under local arrangements. Meanwhile, Jamaat-e-Islami led a separate alliance that included student-led groups that were active during the 2024 protests.
(With input from the agency)
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