Bangladesh Election Result 2026 Highlights: Ex-Chief Justice SR Ahmed to administer oath to newly-elected MPs

On behalf of the BNP, we thank Prime Minister Modi for his wishes. We believe that under the leadership of Tarique Rahman, relations between India and Bangladesh will strengthen, says veteran BNP leader Nazrul Islam Khan

Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Machud said the gazette notification of the 13th National Parliament election results will be published by  Saturday.

Speaking to reporters on Friday night, he said the results could be officially gazetted either today or tomorrow. He also clarified that there is no scope for a recount of votes in the controversial Dhaka-8 constituency.
 

Former Minister of State for External Affairs MJ Akbar on Friday said the results of Bangladesh’s 13th National Parliamentary Elections reflect a clear signal about voters’ priorities, especially the influence of women voters.
Speaking to ANI, Akbar said, "The biggest message of this election is that the Bangladeshi women have demolished the Jamaat-e-Islami. They have done so because Jamaat represented an anti-women platform." He alleged that the Jamaat's campaign relied heavily on religious messaging. "The Jamaat actually promised salvation in the next life. It promised freedom from sins. Well, these are very, very good things, but people don't vote in elections for salvation in the next life; they want a better life in this one.
 

A referendum on the implementation of a reform package saw a 60.26 per cent voter turnout in Bangladesh, with the 'yes' vote winning a clear majority, the Election Commission announced on Friday.

The voting for the 13th parliamentary elections was held on Thursday along with the referendum on the complex 84-point reform package, known as the July National Charter.

The referendum saw a 60.26 per cent voter turnout, the Election Commission (EC) said.

As per the official figures, 4,80,74,429 votes were cast in favour of "yes", while 2,25,65,627 voters chose "no", EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed said while talking to reporters at the EC.

The referendum had sought people's consent to the July National Charter 2025, which Interim government chief Muhammad Yunus announced on October 17 after protracted consultations between the political parties and the National Consensus Commission that he headed.
 

National Citizens Party (NCP) convener Nahid Islam has alleged that results in several constituencies of the 13th National Parliament elections were deliberately altered through rigging. Speaking at a press briefing on February 13 at the Jamaat-e-Islami central office in Moghbazar, Dhaka, he claimed that manipulation had affected the true outcome in some seats. Addressing the media on behalf of the 11-party electoral alliance, Nahid called for transparency and demanded a proper investigation into the alleged irregularities.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended “heartfelt felicitations” to BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman during a “warm and cordial telephone call” following the party’s “historic and resounding victory” in Bangladesh’s general elections. Sharif conveyed his best wishes and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening “brotherly ties” with Bangladesh. He emphasized building on the legacy of Begum Khaleda Zia and advancing shared goals of peace, progress, and prosperity, expressing hope for closer cooperation between the two nations in the coming years.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio congratulated the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and its leader Tarique Rahman on their electoral victory. In a message shared on social media, Rubio also extended his congratulations to the people of Bangladesh. He stated that the US looks forward to working closely with the newly elected government to strengthen bilateral ties, advance shared prosperity, and promote regional security. The message signals Washington’s intent to engage constructively with Bangladesh’s new leadership.

Bangladesh Awami League President Sheikh Hasina strongly condemned the 13th National Parliamentary Election, calling it "a carefully orchestrated sham election" and "a disgraceful chapter in the country’s democratic history". She alleged it was “not an election of public opinion” but marked by “industrial-scale administrative manipulation and numerical fraud.” Under what she termed the “illegal Yunus administration,” Hasina said the process “has robbed people of their voting rights.”

She demanded authorities "annul this voterless, illegal, and unconstitutional election," ensure the resignation of the government, release political detainees, lift restrictions on the Awami League, and hold a free, fair election under a neutral caretaker government.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has refused to accept the election results in the Pabna-3 (Chatmohar-Bhangura-Faridpur) and Pabna-4 (Ishwardi-Atgharia) constituencies, alleging irregularities in the vote count, as reported by Prothom Alo. In protest, BNP leaders and activists besieged the offices of the deputy commissioner and the district returning officer from Friday afternoon, demanding an immediate recount of ballots and a transparent review of the results.

A day after the BNP’s election victory, local party leaders in Panchagarh Upazila unlocked the previously sealed Awami League (AL) office, signalling a conciliatory gesture in the area. BNP leader Abu Dawood Prodhan took the initiative to reopen the office, a move that was welcomed by residents across political lines.

Speaking to local media, Prodhan said activists from both the BNP and the Awami League should work together to maintain peace and stability in the locality. The development has been viewed by many as a positive step toward easing tensions and fostering cooperation following the closely watched polls.

-Indrajeet Kundu inputs

Bangladesh's retired Chief Justice Dr Syed Refaat Ahmed will swear in the members elected to the 13th National Parliament, acting as the President’s designated representative. Sources at Bangabhaban confirmed that he has been formally appointed for this role.

The possibility was earlier indicated on February 5 by Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul, who outlined the constitutional procedure in the absence of a sitting Speaker.

Under normal circumstances, MPs are administered the oath by the Speaker or Deputy Speaker. However, following the developments linked to the mass uprising of 2024, the responsibility has been assigned to the President’s nominee.

West Bengal Assembly Speaker Biman Banerjee commented on the BNP’s sweeping win in Bangladesh, stating that the electorate has clearly expressed its desire for harmony and stability. He emphasised that ordinary citizens in Bangladesh wish to live without communal tensions and prefer peaceful coexistence.

According to him, while certain political groups may attempt to promote division, the broader public rejects such agendas. Drawing from his personal visit to the country, Banerjee observed that both Hindus and Muslims aspire to maintain mutual respect and unity. He added that the election outcome reflects a strong public stand against communalism and in favor of social harmony.

-Input by Tapan Kumar Naskar

Strategic analysts believe the recent election outcome in Bangladesh could open a new chapter in relations with India. With the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) heading for a decisive win, experts anticipate renewed diplomatic engagement after nearly two years of strained interactions. Former Indian envoys have described the development as encouraging for both nations, expressing hope for stronger political and economic cooperation.

The vote followed months of unrest and uncertainty after the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s long-standing government. Observers suggest that a stable administration under the BNP may help restore confidence, strengthen regional security, and improve bilateral ties between the neighbouring countries.

-PTI

Following its sweeping electoral victory, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party has renewed calls for the return of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from India to stand trial. Senior leader Salahuddin Ahmed said the party backs diplomatic efforts already initiated by Bangladesh’s foreign ministry to pursue her extradition through legal channels. He stressed that the matter rests between the two governments and should proceed in accordance with established laws and agreements.

While pressing for her return, the BNP also underscored its desire for balanced and respectful ties with neighbouring countries, including India, based on mutual dignity, cooperation, and sovereign equality.

-PTI

Dhaka–1: BNP’s Khondkar Abu Ashfaq defeated Jamaat’s Mohammad Nazrul Islam, winning 173,781 votes to 112,622.

Dhaka–2: BNP’s Amanullah Aman won with 163,020 votes against Jamaat’s Abdul Haque, who secured 78,655.

Dhaka–3: BNP’s Gayeshwar Chandra Roy secured victory with 98,785 votes over Jamaat’s Shahinul Islam, who received 82,232.

Dhaka–4: Jamaat’s Syed Zainul Abedin won by about 3,000 votes, securing 77,367 against BNP’s Tanvir Ahmed’s 74,447.

Dhaka–5: Jamaat’s Mohammad Kamal Hossain won with 96,641 votes, defeating BNP’s Md. Nabi Ullah, who got 87,491.

Dhaka–6: BNP’s Ishraque Hossain won with 78,850 votes, beating Jamaat’s Md. Abdul Mannan, who received 55,697.

Dhaka–7: BNP’s Hamidur Rahman won with 104,666 votes, narrowly defeating Jamaat’s Md. Enayet Ullah, who got 98,483.

Dhaka–8: BNP’s Mirza Abbas Uddin Ahmed won, securing 5,239 more votes than Mohammad Nasir Uddin Patwari of the 11-party alliance.

Dhaka–9: BNP’s Habibur Rashid won with 111,212 votes, ahead of NCP’s Mohammad Jabed Mia (53,460) and independent Tasnim Jara (44,684).

Dhaka–10: BNP’s Sheikh Rabiul Alam won with 80,436 votes, defeating Jamaat’s Md. Jasim Uddin Sarkar, who received 77,136.

Dhaka–11: NCP’s Nahid Islam won by 2,039 votes, securing 93,872 against BNP’s MA Quayum’s 91,833.

Dhaka–12: Jamaat’s Md. Saiful Alam won with 53,773 votes, defeating BNP alliance candidate Saiful Haque, who received 30,963.

Dhaka–13: BNP-backed Bobby Hajjaj won with 88,387 votes, defeating Mamunul Haque, who received 86,067.

Dhaka–14: Jamaat’s Mir Ahmad Bin Kasem won with 101,113 votes, beating BNP’s Sanjida Islam, who secured 83,323.

Dhaka–15: Jamaat chief Shafiqur Rahman won with 85,131 votes, defeating BNP’s Md. Shafiqul Islam Khan, who got 63,517.

Dhaka–16: Jamaat’s Md. Abdul Baten won with 88,828 votes, narrowly defeating BNP’s Md. Aminul Haque, who received 85,467.

Dhaka–17: BNP’s Tarique Rahman won with 72,699 votes, defeating Jamaat’s S M Khaliduzzaman, who secured 68,300.

Dhaka–18: BNP’s S M Jahangir Hossain won with 144,715 votes, defeating NCP’s Ariful Islam, who received 111,297.

Dhaka–19: BNP’s Dewan Mohammad Salauddin won with 190,976 votes, beating NCP’s Dilshana Parul, who got 125,283.

Dhaka–20: BNP’s Md. Tamiz Uddin won with 160,428 votes, defeating NCP’s Nabila Tasnid, who secured 56,343.

Exiled Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasreen shared a strong reaction to the general election outcome, saying her relief stemmed not from the BNP’s victory but from the defeat of what she described as Islamist extremist forces. In a detailed post on X, she accused such groups of promoting violence, suppressing women’s rights and targeting minorities.

Nasreen outlined a series of expectations from the new political leadership. She called for restoring secularism in the Constitution, ending religion-based laws and ensuring equal rights for women. She also urged protection of free speech, minority communities and democratic principles, alongside reforms in education and healthcare.

Her statement further advocated lifting political bans, rebuilding Liberation War memorials and improving ties with India. She demanded the release of certain Political detainees and bloggers who fled abroad, and pressed for firm action against extremist elements. Her remarks have sparked debate across political and social circles.