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Source: Anadolu Agency
DHAKA, Feb. 13 — The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is set to form the next government after securing a commanding majority in the country’s latest parliamentary elections, marking a significant political shift following the 2024 uprising.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir announced that the new government will be formed by February 15. The party and its allies won 212 seats in the 300-member parliament, comfortably crossing the 151-seat threshold required to govern. The elections represent the first national vote since the removal of the Awami League administration in July 2024.
BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman is widely expected to become the country’s next prime minister. He assumed party leadership after the death of former premier Khaleda Zia in December.
Alongside the general election, voters also endorsed the “July Charter,” a reform framework containing more than 80 constitutional proposals. The package includes plans for term limits for the prime minister, strengthened judicial independence, expanded presidential authority, and greater representation for women in public life.
The main opposition alliance led by Jamaat-e-Islami secured 77 seats, while independents and smaller parties won the remaining constituencies. Voter turnout stood at 59.44 percent, significantly higher than the previous election.
Meanwhile, BNP leaders stated that the incoming government will formally request India to extradite former prime minister Sheikh Hasina to face legal proceedings related to the 2024 unrest. The interim administration led by Muhammad Yunus had previously made similar appeals.