Bangladesh Election Results 2026 Highlights :Tarique Rahman likely to be sworn in on Sunday as BNP heads for a 200+ seat landslide

Bangladesh Election Results 2026 Highlights: Tarique Rahman-led Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Friday secured a sweeping victory with more than two-thirds majority in the landmark parliamentary elections and is making a spectacular return to power after a gap of two decades. The 13th Parliamentary elections assumed significance as they were held after a period of tumultuous political vacuum, instability and fragile security situation, including widespread attacks on minorities after the student-led protests brought down the 15-year rule of Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League in August 2024. The EC postponed the announcement of results in two seats – Chattogram-2 and Chattogram-4. The election in one seat was postponed due to the death of a candidate. Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Rahman and congratulated him on BNP’s spectacular victory. Latest updates: The latest counts in a vote viewed as Bangladesh’s first truly competitive election in years gave the BNP and its allies at least 212 of the 299 seats up for grabs, local TV channels said. The opposition Jamaat-e-Islami and its allies won 70 ⁠seats in ​the Jatiya Sangsad, or House of the Nation. Tarique Rahman set to become Bangladesh PM: BNP’s top leader Tarique Rahman is set to become the prime minister for the first time. He will replace the interim government chief Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, under whose tenure Dhaka’s relations with New Delhi witnessed a significant downturn. While the Bangladesh Election Commission is yet to formally announce the results, expected later today, Rahman has already won two seats — Dhaka-17 and Bogra-6 — according to unofficial counts. Express reporter in Dhaka. Watch here: Also follow here for Bangladesh LIVE updates For the first time in three decades, the Awami League’s “boat” symbol is absent from ballots, as the party remains suspended following the collapse of the previous administration. In its place, a reconfigured political landscape has emerged, pitting the BNP against a surging 11-party alliance led by the Jamaat-e-Islami and the youth-centric National Citizen Party (NCP). Category | Details Eligible voters | 127.7 million (including 5 million first-time voters) Voter turnout (2pm) | 59% reported by the Election Commission Parliamentary seats | 299 contested (1 postponed due to a candidate’s death) Security personnel | Nearly 900,000 deployed nationwide Unique Feature | Concurrent National Referendum on constitutional reforms Bangladesh election numbers: The voting began at 7:30 AM (local time) in Bangladesh in 299 parliamentary constituencies and is scheduled to continue until 4:30 PM on February 12. A total of 50 political parties contested the polls, with 1,755 candidates and 273 independents contesting the election. After years of exile, legal battles and personal tragedy, Tarique Rahman returned to Bangladesh and, in his first election, led the BNP to a two‑thirds majority—securing 209 of 297 seats and three allied seats, while his own victories in two constituencies cemented his path to the premiership . His comeback ends a two‑decade opposition stretch and reshapes the country’s political duopoly, setting the stage for a new government under his leadership. Prime Minister Narendra Modi became the first leader to call and greet BNP chief Tarique Rahman Friday after it became clear that his centre-right party had secured a landslide two-thirds majority in elections to the Bangladesh parliament, one of the most watched elections in South Asia in recent years. Modi’s outreach assumes significance given the acrimony and strain in ties between Delhi and Dhaka after the dramatic August 2024 ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, one of India’s closest partners in the neighbourhood. Her presence in India will frame a diplomatic challenge for two countries, apart from irritants that include water-sharing, border, connectivity and illegals. Read the full story here. Tarique Rahman, leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and son of former prime minister the late Khaleda Zia, is poised to become Bangladesh’s next leader. In his maiden speech after his return to the country after 17 years of self-imposed exile in England, Rahman recalled the famous “I Have a Dream” speech of American civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. However, he remarked that while MLK had a dream, he himself had a plan to build a nation that is safe and inclusive for all citizens, irrespective of faith and region. The moment has now arrived to test whether that plan can translate into reality. Read the full story here. Dr. Manisha Chakraborty, Bangladesh Samajtantrik Dal (BSD) candidate for Barishal‑5, conceded defeat in the 13th national election but emphasized that her 22,486 votes—gathered across 176 polling centres—represent a growing “vote bank” demanding an end to “politics of plunder, corruption and communalism.” She highlighted support from young, middle‑class, and working‑class voters, especially women, and said the result inspires her party to build capacity and continue the struggle for societal transformation. Speaking to The Daily Star, she stressed that elections are just one part of sustained political work and that her party will remain with the people “before, during, and after” any poll, despite the evident influence of money and muscle power in the constituency. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has urged Bangladesh’s next administration to uphold constitutional guarantees of press freedom and to take immediate steps to safeguard reporters, according to a Facebook post from its verified page on Friday. CPJ said that concerns raised in its pre‑election letters to major parties—including the BNP, Jamaat‑e‑Islami, National Citizen Party and Jatiya Party—must be addressed through reforms that ensure accountability and protect the news media. The group also called on elected representatives to reject violence, intimidation and the misuse of criminal or national‑security laws against journalists, stressing that a free press is essential for democracy during the country’s transition to a new government. CPJ’s January 29 letters highlighted rising risks to journalists, including mob attacks on the offices of Prothom Alo and The Daily Star, which it described as a troubling precedent for press safety. Jamaat‑e‑Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman, speaking on behalf of an 11‑party alliance at a Moghbazar press conference, claimed that while polling for the 13th parliamentary election was “fair,” the vote‑counting process was marred by irregularities and deliberate tampering of result sheets. He presented documentary evidence of altered sheets, cited abrupt halts in result announcements, and accused certain constituencies of double standards, pointing to incidents such as the occupation of polling centres in Dhaka‑8 and Dhaka‑13. Rahman warned that those whose rights were violated will seek redress and urged the Election Commission to act, while also noting that “fascist” elements are being rehabilitated and that the referendum’s “yes” verdict must be implemented by the incoming government. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has congratulated Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chairperson Tarique Rahman for securing a landslide victory in 13th parliamentary elections and said that he looks forward to working with the new government. In a post on X, Rubio wrote, "Congratulations to the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and its leader Tarique Rahman as well as the people of Bangladesh. The United States looks forward to working with the newly elected government to advance prosperity and the security of the region." > Congratulations to the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and its leader Tarique Rahman as well as the people of Bangladesh. The United States looks forward to working with the newly elected government to advance prosperity and the security of the region.— Secretary Marco Rubio (@SecRubio) February 13, 2026 Congratulations to the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and its leader Tarique Rahman as well as the people of Bangladesh. The United States looks forward to working with the newly elected government to advance prosperity and the security of the region. Veteran lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar Friday reacted to the electoral setback of Jamaat-e-Islami in Bangladesh, calling it “good news” for the country. Taking to X, Akhtar wrote that the party had been “defeated in the elections quite badly” and linked the result to what he described as public disapproval of communal politics. “Jamat -e- Islami of Bangladesh which is the fountainhead of the right wing that is responsible for all the atrocities on the Hindus of that country is defeated in the elections quite badly . It means most of the Bangladeshi papulation doesn’t approve of jamat ‘s communal bias against the minorities. That is good news .” > Jamat -e- Islami of Bangladesh which is the fountainhead of the right wing that is responsible for all the atrocities on the Hindus of that country is defeated in the elections quite badly . It means most of the Bangladeshi papulation doesn’t approve of jamat ‘s communal bias…— Javed Akhtar (@Javedakhtarjadu) February 13, 2026 Jamat -e- Islami of Bangladesh which is the fountainhead of the right wing that is responsible for all the atrocities on the Hindus of that country is defeated in the elections quite badly . It means most of the Bangladeshi papulation doesn’t approve of jamat ‘s communal bias… The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Friday said it had begun internal discussions on forming a “national government” in consultation with its allies, a day after the party secured a single majority in the general election, the Dhaka Tribune reported. Members of the party’s Standing Committee congratulated BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on the victory. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, along with other senior leaders, presented flowers to Rahman at the BNP Chairperson’s office in Gulshan on Friday evening. After the meeting, Standing Committee member and newly elected MP from Chattogram-11, Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, told reporters that the talks focused on implementing the party’s 31-point programme and coordinating with allies who had partnered with the BNP during the simultaneous anti-government movement, it reported. Bangladesh’s opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) won a landslide parliamentary election on Friday, returning to power after nearly two decades and positioning party leader Tarique Rahman to become prime minister as the country emerges from months of unrest and economic disruption. Read the full report here In his first reaction to the election results, since the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairman Tarique Rahman Friday expressed gratitude to his supporters for their affection and for helping secure a landslide victory for his party, the Dhaka Tribune reported.“I am grateful for the love you have shown me. Please pray for me,” he said while talking to people gathered outside his Gulshan residence before leaving for Jummah prayers. Tarique went to the Bangladesh Navy Headquarters Mosque around Friday noon from his Gulshan residence to offer Jummah prayers, it reported. A crowd of curious supporters gathered outside his home, eager to catch a glimpse of him. Before leaving, Tarique stopped his car, opened the door himself, and interacted with several supporters. Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu congratulated Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chief Tarique Rahman on the party's remarkable victory in the country's 13th National Parliamentary Elections. In a post on X, President Muizzu extended warm regards and expressed optimism about future bilateral relations, congratulating the BNP leadership on the party's electoral success. "Congratulations @trahmanbnp on Bangladesh Nationalist Party's remarkable victory in the 13th National Parliamentary Elections held in Bangladesh," he wrote. Muizzu emphasised the importance of continued cooperation between the two countries. "I extend my warm regards and look forward to working closely together to further advance and deepen the longstanding friendship and cooperation between the Maldives and Bangladesh," he added. In the 13th parliamentary elections in Bangladesh, seven women candidates have been elected, and most of them are from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), local reports said. According to Prothom Alo, a total of 85 women contested the national elections, voting for which took place on Thursday. As per the latest data, seven of them have been declared winners. Read the full report here In an election triggered by a Gen Z–led uprising in Bangladesh, a youth-driven party secured only six seats in the 300-member parliament, showing the challenge of turning street momentum into votes. When it came to it, results showed on Friday that voters overwhelmingly chose the long-established Bangladesh Nationalist Party, which has already ruled the country three times, most recently from 2001-2006. They largely stayed away from the National Citizen Party, which emerged from the 2024 protests that toppled former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, but performed poorly as part of a rival coalition. Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Election Management Committee Chairman Nazrul Islam Khan Friday thanked Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his congratulatory message for Tarique Rahman after the party’s thumping victory in the Bangladesh Parliamentary election 2026, Dhaka Tribune reported. “On behalf of our party, we also thank him (Narendra Modi). We believe that under the leadership of our leader Tarique Rahman, relations between the two countries and the bonds between their peoples will grow even stronger,” Dhaka Tribune quoted Islam Khan as saying. Earlier, in a post on X, Modi wrote, “I extend my warm congratulations to Tarique Rahman for leading the BNP to a big victory in Bangladesh’s parliamentary elections.” Modi also said the victory reflects the trust of the Bangladeshi people in Tarique Rahman’s leadership and assured that India would continue to support a “democratic, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh.” Modi added: “I look forward to working with you to strengthen our multifaceted relationship and advance our shared development goals.” Complimenting Bangladesh for conducting smooth elections, China Friday said it is ready to work with Dhaka to take the Strategic Cooperative Partnership forward. China noticed that Bangladesh had a steady and smooth general election, and the BNP secured an outright majority, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said. China supports Bangladesh in advancing its domestic political agenda and stands ready to work with Bangladesh to take the China-Bangladesh Strategic Cooperative Partnership forward, he said while answering a question. Who won July Charter referendum? “Yes” secured victory in the referendum held on the implementation of the July Charter, with 48,074,429 voters casting their ballots in favour, while 22,565,627 voted “No", the Dhaka Tribune reported. A total of 60.26% votes were cast across 299 constituencies. Senior Secretary of the Election Commission Akhtar Ahmed announced the results at 2 pm local time on Friday. The referendum was held on Thursday alongside the 13th National Parliamentary Election. On the ballot, a single question covering four issues was placed before voters, who expressed their opinions by voting “Yes” or “No". The question read: “Do you express your consent to the July National Charter (Constitutional Reform) Implementation Order, 2025 and to the following proposals regarding constitutional reforms recorded in the July National Charter?” — Yes or No. What is July National Charter? Read here Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday spoke with BNP chairman Tarique Rahman and congratulated him on the "remarkable victory in the Bangladesh elections". "Delighted to speak with Mr. Tarique Rahman. I congratulated him on the remarkable victory in the Bangladesh elections. I conveyed my best wishes and support in his endeavour to fulfil the aspirations of the people of Bangladesh. As two close neighbours with deep-rooted historical and cultural ties, I reaffirmed India’s continued commitment to the peace, progress, and prosperity of both our peoples," Modi posted on X. Read the full story here > Delighted to speak with Mr. Tarique Rahman. I congratulated him on the remarkable victory in the Bangladesh elections.I conveyed my best wishes and support in his endeavour to fulfil the aspirations of the people of Bangladesh.As two close neighbours with deep-rooted…— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 13, 2026 Delighted to speak with Mr. Tarique Rahman. I congratulated him on the remarkable victory in the Bangladesh elections.I conveyed my best wishes and support in his endeavour to fulfil the aspirations of the people of Bangladesh.As two close neighbours with deep-rooted… BNP’s Habibur Rashid won the Dhaka-9 seat in the 13th Parliamentary Election on Friday. He received 111,212 votes with the party’s “sheaf of paddy” symbol, The Daily Star reported. His nearest rivals, NCP’s Mohammad Jabed Mia received 53,460 votes with “Shapla Koli (waterlily bud)” symbol, while independent candidate Tasnim Jara, with the football symbol, received 44,684 votes. Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, a senior BNP leader from the minority Hindu community, won a Dhaka constituency Friday in Bangladesh's 13th national parliamentary election. Roy won the Dhaka-3 seat with 99,163 votes, defeating his nearest rival, Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Md Shahinur Islam, the state-run BSS news agency reported. The former state minister's win from the Dhaka seat comes in the backdrop of alleged harassment of the minority Hindu community members in the country. The community has faced a series of attacks, some fatal, after the killing of radical youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi in December. India has been expressing concerns over attacks on minorities, especially Hindus, in Bangladesh. (With inputs from PTI) For Tarique Rahman, repairing Indo-Bangladesh relations must be a top priority, perhaps even drawing lessons from aspects of Hasina’s earlier diplomacy. Two issues will be decisive: The treatment of religious minorities, particularly Hindus, and Bangladesh’s posture toward militant groups operating in India’s Northeast. Read the full opinion here. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Friday congratulated BNP leader Tarique Rahman on leading the party to a victory in Bangladesh's parliamentary elections. In a post on X, the West Bengal chief minister said, "My hearty congratulations, shubhonandan, to all my brothers and sisters, all the people, in Bangladesh. My advance Ramazan mubarak to all of them. For this great victory, my congratulations to my Tarique-Bhai, his party, and all the parties. Pray, you all be well and happy." Banerjee expressed hope that ties between India and Bangladesh remain cordial. "Wish that our relations with Bangladesh be always cordial," she said on the social media platform. The BNP’s election symbol a bound bunch of harvested rice stalks, often seen on hats and at rallies reflects rice’s central role in Bangladesh, the world’s third‑largest rice producer, where it provides nearly half of rural employment and makes up about 70 percent of daily caloric intake. In contrast, Jamaat‑e‑Islami’s symbol is a scale, while the now‑banned Awami League uses a boat. Tarique Rahman, the son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), waves to the supporters during an election rally ahead of national election, on a road in Dhaka, Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath) BNP Secretary‑General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir announced at his Thakurgaon residence on Friday that a new government will be formed by February 15, attributing the party’s absolute victory to people’s love and describing BNP as “the party of the people.” He said extremist rise stems from fascist forces that have persecuted parties, yet noted Jamaat‑e‑Islami performed well, and pledged that everything signed in the July Charter and the 31‑point agenda will be gradually implemented, with BNP entering parliament alongside all parties. The Chinese embassy in Bangladesh has congratulated Dhaka on a “smooth and successful” parliamentary election and the BNP for taking the lead, stating in a Friday Facebook post that it looks forward to working with the new government to “write new chapters of China‑Bangladesh relations.” Chinese state media have highlighted local projections of a BNP victory, reflecting Beijing’s push to deepen ties with Dhaka since the interim government took charge in August 2024, a move that has already brought in about $800 million in investment and expanded cooperation in defence and medical sectors. Tarique Rahman-led Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) won an overwhelming two-thirds majority Friday in general elections, a result expected to bring stability after months of tumult following the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in a Gen Z-led uprising in 2024. Tarique Rahman, who is the son of former prime minister Khaleda Zia, won the two seats — Dhaka 17 and Bogra 6 — which he contested. Rahman is the frontrunner for the PM’s post. Indian PM Narendra Modi and Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif have congratulated Rahman on BNP’s historic win. Read the full story here. The Office of the Divisional Commissioner of Dhaka, led by Returning Officer Sharaf Uddin Chowdhury, announced the final results for 13 parliamentary constituencies on Friday. The winners are: Dhaka-4: Zainul Abedin (Scale) - 77,367 votes Dhaka-5: Mohammad Kamal Hossain (Scale) - 96,641 votes Dhaka-6: Ishraque Hossain (Sheaf of Paddy) - 78,850 votes Dhaka-7: Hamidur Rahman (Sheaf of Paddy) - 104,666 votes Dhaka-8: Mirza Abbas (Sheaf of Paddy) - 59,366 votes Dhaka-9: Habibur Rashid (Sheaf of Paddy) - 111,212 votes Dhaka-10: Sheikh Rabiul Alam (Sheaf of Paddy) - 80,436 votes Dhaka-11: Nahid Islam (Water Lily Bud) - 93,872 votes Dhaka-12: Saiful Alam (Scale) - 53,775 votes Dhaka-14: Mir Ahmad Bin Kashem (Scale) - 101,113 votes Dhaka-16: Abdul Baten (Scale) - 88,828 votes Dhaka-17: Tarique Rahman (Sheaf of Paddy) - 72,699 votes Dhaka-18: SM Jahangir (Sheaf of Paddy) - 144,715 votes. (With inputs from Dhaka Tribune) The Elections Commission has just announced that close to 60% of voters turned up for yesterday's exercise. BNP secretary‑general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir claimed his party has won a two‑thirds majority in the election and, at a press conference, accused Sheikh Hasina’s now‑banned Awami League of “responsible for the rise of Jamaat‑e‑Islami” in Bangladeshi politics. He explained that when democracy is suppressed, extremist forces emerge, and the Awami League’s actions paved the way for Jamaat‑e‑Islami once barred from polls and now the only large alternative after the Awami League’s ban to gain prominence. Chief Election Commissioner Nasir Uddin said the national vote was “neutral and credible,” adding that the commission had delivered a festive, fully impartial election that has earned broad recognition, and he thanked voters, political leaders and journalists for their cooperation. He noted the election was achieved with overall support from all stakeholders, even as supporters of former ruling party leader Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League banned from contesting called for a boycott. (With inputs from agencies) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday congratulated Bangladesh Nationalist Party chief Tarique Rahman on the “decisive victory” in the parliamentary elections in Bangladesh, as it became clear that the BNP would have a majority in the 300-member parliament. The Prime Minister’s congratulatory post on X came before the Election Commission of Bangladesh announced the official results. The BNP, according to local media projections, is expected to garner more than 200 seats. Read the full story here. The Congress party, led by chief Mallikarjun Kharge, congratulated BNP and its leader Tarique Rahman on their parliamentary election win in Bangladesh, emphasizing that a democratic, progressive, and inclusive Bangladesh enjoys Indian support for regional stability and peace. Kharge’s X post highlighted the deep historic, linguistic, and cultural ties between the two nations. Media reports suggest the Election Commission will soon formally declare BNP the victor, marking a contest mainly between BNP and former ally Jamaat‑e‑Islami, with the Awami League barred. If BNP forms the government, Tarique Rahman son of former premier Khaleda Zia would become Bangladesh’s first male prime minister in 35 years. Seven women have been elected to parliament in the 13th national election, according to unofficial results. Six of them were from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), which is set to form the government with an absolute majority, and they won with the paddy sheaf symbol: Afroza Khan Rita (Manikganj-3), Israt Sultana Elen Bhutto (Jhalokati-2), Tahsina Rushdir Luna (Sylhet-2), Shama Obaid (Faridpur-2), Nayab Yusuf Kamal (Faridpur-3), and Farzana Sharmin Putul (Natore-1). Barrister Rumin Farhana was elected as an independent candidate from Brahmanbaria-2 after being expelled from the BNP. These results are based on unofficial tallies announced after voting and counting ended. BNP chairman Tarique Rahman has been unofficially declared elected from Dhaka-17 and Bogura-6, according to provisional results. In Dhaka-17, Rahman, contesting with the party’s sheaf of paddy symbol, secured 72,699 votes. His nearest rival, Dr Khaleduzzaman of Jamaat-e-Islami, who ran with the scales symbol, received 68,300 votes. Rahman won the seat by a margin of 4,399 votes. Read the full story here. The BNP has now secured 151 out of the 300 seats – the number needed for it to form the next government. Jamaat-e-Islami is in second place with 46 seats. The Bangladesh Election Commission has put on hold the official announcement of results for Sherpur‑2, Chittagong‑2 and Chittagong‑4 after Jamuna TV reported pending court cases in those constituencies, meaning the final vote tallies will be released only after the legal issues are resolved. Senior BNP leader Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, who previously expressed confidence that the party would form the next government, says its top priority will be rebuilding the country’s democratic and financial institutions, which he claims have been “destroyed over the last decade.” He adds, “Stability and peace is the first thing Bangladesh needs right now… We are not taking this as a victory, but as trust put by the people in the party to serve the country.” Habibur Rashid of the BNP clinched the Dhaka‑9 seat in the 13th parliamentary election, pulling in 111,212 votes with the party’s “sheaf of paddy” symbol. His closest challenger, NCP’s Mohammad Jabed Mia, earned 53,460 votes using the “Shapla Koli (waterlily bud)” symbol, while independent candidate Tasnim Jara with the football symbol gathered 44,684 votes . BNP chairman Tarique Rahman has been unofficially declared elected from Dhaka-17 and Bogura-6, according to provisional results. In Dhaka-17, Rahman, contesting with the party’s sheaf of paddy symbol, secured 72,699 votes. His nearest rival, Dr Khaleduzzaman of Jamaat-e-Islami, who ran with the scales symbol, received 68,300 votes. Rahman won the seat by a margin of 4,399 votes. Read the full story here. Shehbaz Sharif has shared his “warmest felicitations” with Rahman on leading the BNP to a resounding victory. Pakistan’s prime minister also sent his congratulations to the “people of Bangladesh on the successful conduct of the elections”. “I look forward to working closely with the new Bangladesh leadership to further strengthen our historic, brotherly multifaceted bilateral relations and advance our shared goals of peace, stability, and development in South Asia and beyond,” Sharif said in a post on social media. > I extend my warmest felicitations to Mr. Tarique Rahman on leading the BNP to a resounding victory in the Parliamentary elections in Bangladesh. I also congratulate the people of Bangladesh on the successful conduct of the elections.I look forward to working closely with the…— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) February 13, 2026 I extend my warmest felicitations to Mr. Tarique Rahman on leading the BNP to a resounding victory in the Parliamentary elections in Bangladesh. I also congratulate the people of Bangladesh on the successful conduct of the elections.I look forward to working closely with the… The nationalist party has won 13 of the 20 seats in the capital. They are Dhaka 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 13, 16, 17, 18, and 20. Jamaat won four seats while its ally, NCP, won one. Jamaat won Dhaka 4, 5, 14 and 15, while NCP won Dhaka 11, according to the reports. Complete results have not been announced in two of the constituencies. The news outlets cited provisional results announced by returning officers, who are the top electoral officials at the constituency level. The Election Commission is yet to announce the official results, but a statement is expected in the coming hours.' (With inputs from agencies) Prime Minister Narendra Modi has conveyed his “warm congratulations” to “Tarique Rahman on leading BNP to a decisive victory in the Parliamentary elections in Bangladesh.” “This victory shows the trust of the people of Bangladesh in your leadership,” Modi said in a post on social media. “India will continue to stand in support of a democratic, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh,” Modi added. “I look forward to working with you to strengthen our multifaceted relations and advance our common development goals,” he said. > I convey my warm congratulations to Mr. Tarique Rahman on leading BNP to a decisive victory in the Parliamentary elections in Bangladesh. This victory shows the trust of the people of Bangladesh in your leadership.India will continue to stand in support of a democratic,…— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 13, 2026 I convey my warm congratulations to Mr. Tarique Rahman on leading BNP to a decisive victory in the Parliamentary elections in Bangladesh. This victory shows the trust of the people of Bangladesh in your leadership.India will continue to stand in support of a democratic,… Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari has congratulated the BNP and its leader, Tarique Rahman, on their “landslide majority,” even as final results from the Election Commission remain pending. He expressed Pakistan’s support for Bangladesh’s democratic aspirations and said he looks forward to collaborating with the incoming government on trade, defence, and cultural exchange, while hoping the new political climate in Dhaka will foster “more balanced, independent and mutually respectful engagement” across the region. Brent Christensen, the US Ambassador to Bangladesh, has congratulated the BNP after it claimed victory in Thursday’s election. “Congratulations to the people of Bangladesh on a successful election and to the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and Tarique Rahman on your historic victory,” Christensen wrote in a post on X. “The United States looks forward to working with you to realise shared goals of prosperity and security for both our countries,” he added. > Congratulations to the people of Bangladesh on a successful election and to the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and Tarique Rahman on your historic victory. The United States looks forward to working with you to realize shared goals of prosperity and security for both our countries.— Ambassador Brent T. Christensen (@USAmbBangladesh) February 13, 2026 Congratulations to the people of Bangladesh on a successful election and to the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and Tarique Rahman on your historic victory. The United States looks forward to working with you to realize shared goals of prosperity and security for both our countries. The BNP has now secured 212 seats according to the official results released by the election commission, which means they are just 51 seats shy of the majority needed to form govenrment. Final results are to come, but the party has claimed victory and congratulations have begun to trickle in. Meanwhile Jamaat, the Islamist party, is in second place with 70 seats. Reports from Jamuna TV The religious‑conservative party says it’s not satisfied with the election‑result process, pointing to narrow, “suspicious” losses for its 11‑party alliance, repeated inconsistencies and fabricated unofficial tallies, the Election Commission’s failure to release turnout figures, and signs that part of the administration favored a major party all of which, it argues, cast serious doubt on the integrity of the results. Jamaat has urged its supporters to stay patient and wait for the alliance’s official program. BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman has been unofficially declared elected from Dhaka-8 and Bogura-6 constituencies after securing decisive victory over his nearest rival. The BNP announced it will skip any victory rallies or public gatherings, opting instead for nationwide noon prayers at mosques, and has asked supporters to offer “forgiveness and good wishes” for the late former Prime Minister and party leader Khaleda Zia, who passed away in December. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party is sweeping the 13th general election in Bangladesh. At present, the party is leading with 165 seats. The closest rival, Jamaat-E-Islami, has secured a lead in 62 seats. After 17 years in London, 60‑year‑old Tarique Rahman—son of former prime ministers Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia has returned to Dhaka, launching a high‑profile campaign with massive rallies. He promises a top‑down, no‑tolerance approach to corruption, aiming to restore law and order, rebuild infrastructure and healthcare, and usher in a new era of clean politics for a party long tainted by graft allegations. Of the 299 constituencies, results from 182 have been declared, leaving 117 still pending. The BNP‑led bloc now holds 140 seats, while Jamaat‑e‑Islami and its partners have 37, Islami Andolon Bangladesh 1, and other parties 4. Centre-right Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) led by Tarique Rahman took an early lead over its rivals Thursday night in the first national elections since the August 2024 ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, according to poll projections based on field reports. The BNP’s main rival, Jamaat-e-Islami, appeared to be in the second position — a stunning turnaround for a party that had been a political pariah for long. Read the full story here. Centre-right Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) led by Tarique Rahman took an early lead over its rivals Thursday night in the first national elections since the August 2024 ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, according to poll projections based on field reports. The BNP’s main rival, Jamaat-e-Islami, appeared to be in the second position — a stunning turnaround for a party that had been a political pariah for long. Read the full story here. With 177 of 299 constituencies counted, the BNP and its allies have claimed 137 seats, while Jamaat‑e‑Islami and its partners hold 35, Islami Andolon Bangladesh 1, and others 4. Mirza Fakhrul won Thakurgaon‑1 with 238,836 votes, and the overall referendum saw 4,137,196 ballots cast, with 65.3 % (2,700,844) voting “YES” and 34.7 % (1,436,352) “NO”. The Election Commission, despite delays in some areas, reports a credible process, and BNP leader Mahdi Amin expects the party to form a government with more than two‑thirds of the seats. International observers (around 400) and foreign journalists monitored the polls, while India declined to send observers. Salahuddin Ahmed – Cox’s Bazar‑1, 220,566 votes (defeated rival with 124,726). Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury – Chattogram‑11, 115,021 votes (ahead of challenger with 73,752). Lutfozzaman Babar – Netrokona‑4, won by a margin of 119,824 votes. Mirza Abbas – Dhaka‑8, defeated nearest rival by more than 5,000 votes. Fazlur Rahman – Kishoreganj‑4, 129,954 votes (rival got 57,326). Reza Kibria – Habiganj‑1, 111,073 votes. Bobby Hajjaj – Dhaka‑13, 90,601 votes (narrowly beat rival with 86,889). Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin said the commission has delivered on its promise to the nation, stressing that there’s “no hidden agenda” and that they’ve worked to hold a completely transparent election, speaking at the results‑announcement ceremony on Thursday night. Jamuna TV, a local broadcaster, is reporting that the BNP and its allies have won 211 seats and secured a two-thirds majority in the parliament. The broadcaster said Jamaat-e-Islami alliance won 70 seats, while other parties won six. It said results in 287 of the 299 constituencies have now been declared. The parties in the BNP alliance include Gono Odhikar Porishad and Gono Songhoti Andolon. BNP candidates have won all three constituencies in Bangladesh’s Chittagong Hill Tracts, according to multiple media outlets. The outlets cited provisional results announced in Rangamati, Khagrachhari and Bandarban. BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman has urged party leaders and activists to hold special nationwide prayers after Juma prayers today, while directing them not to organize any victory rallies or public celebrations as the party appears set to win the 13th national election, according to his press secretary Saleh Shibly. As of Friday morning, the Election Commission has announced outcomes for 177 of the 299 contested constituencies, with the BNP securing a commanding lead of about 135 seats and its main rival, Jamaat‑e‑Islami, holding roughly 34 seats; results for the remaining 122 seats are still being tallied, leaving the final majority picture open until counting concludes . Tarique Rahman, the son of former Bangladesh President Ziaur Rahman and first woman Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, returned to the country Thursday, after a 17-year self-imposed exile. Tarique Rahman was appointed as the Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s acting chairman in 2018. His arrival comes at a time when the BNP is regaining momentum in the country, following the ouster of long-time Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in 2024. Read the full story here. Family Card: Monthly cash transfers to women and unemployed citizens, with funding questions given 40.17 million people live in extreme poverty. Youth Jobs: Support for digital innovation and entrepreneurship to create jobs for about 900,000 highly skilled, unemployed graduates. July National Charter: Commitment to implement the charter from the 2024 uprising, to be put to a referendum alongside the election. “Bangladesh Before All” Foreign Policy: Prioritizes national interests, seeks international cooperation for Rohingya repatriation. Water Dispute: Plans to sign the 1997 UN Water Convention to secure a fair share of water, especially regarding the Teesta River with India. The party has shared a social media post celebrating its win. “The Bangladesh Nationalist Party is set to form the government after winning the majority of seats,” the BNP Media Cell said. > সংখ্যাগরিষ্ঠ আসনে জয়ী হয়ে সরকার গঠন করতে যাচ্ছে বাংলাদেশ জাতীয়তাবাদী দল-বিএনপি।#bnp #bnpmediacell#khaledazia #zia #tariquerahman pic.twitter.com/AWf18bswQI— BNP Media Cell (@BNPBdMediaCell) February 12, 2026 সংখ্যাগরিষ্ঠ আসনে জয়ী হয়ে সরকার গঠন করতে যাচ্ছে বাংলাদেশ জাতীয়তাবাদী দল-বিএনপি।#bnp #bnpmediacell#khaledazia #zia #tariquerahman pic.twitter.com/AWf18bswQI Maulana Mamunul Haque, the Jamaat‑e‑Islami‑led 11‑party alliance candidate for Dhaka‑13, has claimed that a flawed ballot layout caused thousands of his votes to be cancelled and filed a formal complaint with Returning Officer Md Yunus Ali at the Election Commission’s Agargaon headquarters around 3 a.m., after meeting the officer earlier at 2 a.m. to raise the same concerns. Jamaat-e-Islami Assistant Secretary General Ahsanul Mahboob Zubair accused certain Election Commission officials of deliberately delaying result announcements in several constituencies, alleging that signed result sheets from Dhaka-17 were later overwritten and that about 5,000 votes were reduced to benefit a particular party, while also claiming that Dhaka-15’s results were being withheld despite its size, and warning that Jamaat would launch movements against those responsible if the “authoritarian behavior” continues. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party won a landslide parliamentary election on Friday, local TV stations showed, securing a resounding mandate in a pivotal vote that is expected to restore political stability in the South Asian nation. The parliamentary election held on Thursday was Bangladesh's first vote since the 2024 Gen Z-driven uprising that toppled long-time premier Sheikh Hasina. A clear outcome had been seen as crucial for stability in the Muslim-majority country of 175 million after months of deadly anti-Hasina unrest disrupted everyday life and hit major industries, including the apparel sector in the world's second-largest ⁠garment exporter. It ​was also the first national election to follow recent revolts led by the under-30s that have cropped up through the wider region. Nepal is set to hold a vote next month. Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, running on the BNP’s “sheaf of paddy” symbol, secured 238,836 votes in Thakurgaon‑1, outpacing Jamaat‑e‑Islami’s Delawar Hossain (scales symbol) with 141,017 votes—a margin of 97,819 votes, according to the district election office. Delawar has already congratulated Fakhrul on his apparent win, which comes from a constituency with 511,629 registered voters. Rumeen Farhana, an independent candidate and a former BNP lawmaker, has won the Brahmanbaria-2 constituency in eastern Bangladesh, according to local media. She is among roughly 92 “BNP rebels” who ran as independents after failing to secure the party’s nomination. Farhana secured 117,495 votes across all 151 polling centres, local media reported, citing provisional results. Her nearest rival, Maulana Junaid Al Habib of Jamiat-e-Ulamae, received 79,927 votes. According to results announced by the office of District Returning Officer and Deputy Commissioner Md Taufiqur Rahman, tallies from 150 polling centres have been completed. The constituency has a total of 151 voting centres, including postal ballots. _The daily Star BNP candidate and former attorney general Md Asaduzzaman has unofficially won the Jhenaidah‑1 (Shailkupa) seat in the 13th National Parliamentary Election, securing 171,756 votes from all polling centres, while his closest rival, Jamaat’s Matiur Rahman, received 55,930 votes, according to unofficial results confirmed by Assistant Returning Officer and Shailkupa Upazila Nirbahi Officer Mahfuzur Rahman. Centre-right Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) led by Tarique Rahman took an early lead over its rivals Thursday night in the first national elections since the August 2024 ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, according to poll projections based on field reports. The BNP’s main rival, Jamaat-e-Islami, appeared to be in the second position — a stunning turnaround for a party that had been a political pariah for long. Read the full story here. BNP Secretary‑General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has clinched the Thakurgaon‑1 seat in northwestern Bangladesh, securing 236,308 votes from all 185 polling centres, while his closest rival, Jamaat‑e‑Islami’s Delwar Hossain (running with the scales symbol), received 138,936 votes, according to provisional results. BNP candidates are currently ahead in Dhaka‑7, Dhaka‑11 and Dhaka‑18, while the NCP candidate is leading in Dhaka‑9, according to the returning officer’s preliminary results. These early tallies are still subject to verification by the Election Commission. More than 2,000 candidates, including a number of independents, were in the fray for 299 of the 300 parliamentary constituencies that went to polls. Polling for one seat was postponed due to the death of a candidate. The counting of votes began soon after voting concluded at 4:30 pm (local time). The Election Commission made elaborate security arrangements for the elections, deploying nearly 1 million security personnel -- the largest-ever in the country's electoral history. NCP spokesperson Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain announced at an emergency press conference in Bangla Motor that the party has “clear evidence of result tampering” targeting the 11‑party alliance’s leading candidates, and urged the Election Commission to audit the disputed constituencies before final results are released . At least 72 people were hurt in 14 separate incidents at or near polling stations on election day, with law enforcers detaining nine individuals, according to The Daily Star. The worst clash occurred in Noakhali’s Hatiya, where 31 people were injured when supporters of the BNP and the National Citizen Party clashed. Polling officials begin the counting of votes cast in Bangladesh's national parliamentary election, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026. (AP Photo/Mahmud Hossain Opu) Centre-right Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) led by Tarique Rahman took an early lead over its rivals Thursday night in the first national elections since the August 2024 ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, according to poll projections based on field reports. The BNP’s main rival, Jamaat-e-Islami, appeared to be in the second position — a stunning turnaround for a party that had been a political pariah for long. This election outcome will not come as a surprise to many in Bangladesh since Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League is not in the fray. Banned from contesting polls following her ouster, it has vacated the political landscape for the BNP and the Jamaat. Although the Jamaat-e-Islami had tied up with the party floated by student protesters, the National Citizens Party (NCP), the arrangement did not appear to have yielded much result, as per initial estimates. Read Full Report The head of the BNP's Islamist rival Islamist Jamaat-e-Islami party said it would not engage in the "politics of opposition" for the sake of it. "We will do positive politics," Shafiqur Rahman told reporters as the BNP and its allies were leading in 134 seats, inching closer to the halfway mark of 151 in the legislature of 300 members. Jamaat was way behind at 28 seats, according to one local TV news channel. Jamaat said ​unofficial ​results showed the party had won 58 seats. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) appears to have the edge over its once ally Jamaat-e-Islami in the crucial general elections on Thursday to elect a new government to replace the interim administration, which took charge after the collapse of the Awami League regime in August 2024. Election officials and media reports said early results gave an edge to the BNP with its nominees leading in over 175 seats while Jamaat candidates leading in 30 seats. Bangladesh Nationalist Party's (BNP) candidate Mostafa Kamal Pasha is leading in Chattogram-3 seat after receiving over 72,000 votes. His closest rival, Jamaat’s candidate Muhammad Alauddin has polled over 37,000 votes, Prothom Alo reported. Tarique Rahman-led Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is leading in four out of 11 seats in Mymensingh constituency in the country. BNP is leading in Mymensingh-7, Mymensingh-8, Mymensingh-3 and Mymensingh-11, reported bdnews24. Bangladesh's Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin has said that it will take time to compile and release the 13th parliamentary election results, since there are referendum votes and postal ballots involved but there's no scope for "manipulation" or "irregularities" in the process. "As it promised the people, the Election Commission has been able to deliver an impartial, transparent, and credible election," CEC Nasir said, bdnews24 reported. • The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is currently leading on 65 votes • The Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami is currently leading on 20 votes • The National Citizen Party (NCP), an ally of Jamaat, is leading on 2 votes, reported Dhaka Tribune. Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) candidate Md Asaduzzaman is leading from Jhenaidah-1 constituency with over 171,000 votes, while his nearest rival, Jamaat candidate Matiur Rahman has been able to secure over 55,000 votes, Daily Star reported. Bangladesh Nationalist Party's (BNP) Tarique Rahman is leading from the Bogura-6 constituency which comprises 21 wards of Bogura Municipality and Sadar Upazila. Rahman has received over 38,000 votes while his nearest rival Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Abidur Rahman has received over 17,000 votes, Prothom Alo reported. Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir is leading from the Thakurgaon-1 constituency and has secured over 45,000 votes. Alamgir's closest rival, Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Delawar Hosen, i strailing behind with over 29,000 votes. These results are from 41 of 185 polling centres, bdnews24 reported. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) 'rebel' candidate Salman Omar is leading in Mymensingh-1 (Haluaghat-Dhobawra) constituency from 53 centres. Omar, who has a horse symbol, has received close to 41,000 votes. Omar's rival candidate, BNP's Syed Imran Saleh Prince, who has a paddy symbol, has received over 31,000 votes till now, reported Prothom Alo. • Jamaat’s Shafiqur Rahman: "Today’s vote is not just a personal right; it is a sacred trust stained with the blood of martyrs, and the key to building a livable, safe, and just Bangladesh for future generations." • BNP’s Tarique Rahman: "From the very first day of forming the government, we will take steps to ensure ordinary people feel safe." Former Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina, who fledthe country during a student-led uprising in 2024, on Thursday rejected the country's 13th parliamentary election, and described it as a “well-planned” farce. Hasina's party Awami League posted her statement on X and said, "From the evening of 11 February, this farce began with seizure of polling centers, gunfire, vote-buying, distribution of money, stamping of ballots, and agents signing result sheets. By the morning of 12 February, voter turnout was negligible in most polling centers nationwide, and in many centers across the capital and other areas, there were no voters at all." (Read the full report) As counting is underway in the 13th parliamentary elections across Bangladesh, early trends have suggested that Tarique Rahman's Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is leading in the polls with 13 seats and Shafiqur Rahman's Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami party is trailing at 2 seats, while its ally, student-led National Citizen Party (NCP) is yet to open its count in the elections, the Dhaka Tribune reported. The Bangladesh Election Commission has thanked the citizens of the country for a "festive like" polls after the voting concluded in the 13th parliamentary elections on Thursday. The election commission expressed gratitude to the voters, officials, security personnel and all the other people involved in the electoral process for helping make the polls and referendum “peaceful, fair and festive,” bdnews24 reported. Shafiqur Rahman-led Jamaat-e-Islami's 11 party coalition has described the voting process in the 13th parliamanetary election across Bangladesh as "excellent" and the allaince is hoping of a "landslide victory" and securing the "highest number of seats" in the polls. At a press briefing, Jamaat Assistant Secretary General Ahsanul Mahboob Zubair said, "We are now eagerly waiting for the results to be announced as quickly as possible. We will observe the process." Bangladesh interim government's Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has called for calm after voting in the 13th parliamentary elections concluded in the country on Thursday and the counting is underway across the nation. In a statement after the voting ended, Yunus said, "Differences of opinion will exist, but we must remain united in the national interest," and "exercise and restraint and democratic decorum." As voting concluded in the 13th parliamentary elections in Bangladesh at 4:30pm (local time), the frontrunner Bangladesh Nationalist Party's (BNP) chairperson Tarique Rahman laid out conditions to accept the electoral results and said that his party would accept the results if the polls are held in free and fair manner. Rahman said, "If the election is free, if it is fair, if it is without controversy, then why would we not accept it? Of course we will accept it. All parties will accept it.” (Read the full report) After the voting concluded in the 13th parliamentary elections in Bangladesh, country's Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus hailed the successful conduct of the election and said that a "new Bangladesh has begun." In a statement issued by Chief Adviser's office, Yunus said, "The spontaneous participation of voters, the responsible behaviour of political parties, the restraint of candidates, and the professionalism of all election-related institutions – these combined efforts have proven that our commitment to democracy is unwavering. The people have played an active role in determining the future of the country by exercising their constitutional rights." Former Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina has reacted to the 13th parliamentary elections held in the country on Thursday and expressed her "gratitude" towards the people of Bangladesh for "rejecting the farcical election of the murderous-fascist Yunus." In a post on X, Hasina's party Awami League posted her message and stated, "Today’s so-called election by Yunus, who seized power illegally and unconstitutionally, was essentially a well-planned farce. The people’s voting rights, democratic values, and the spirit of the Constitution were completely disregarded in this deceptive, voter-less election conducted without the Awami League." > Gratitude from the People’s Leader Sheikh Hasina to All Citizens, Including Mothers, Sisters, and Minority Communities, for Rejecting the Farcical Election of the Murderous-Fascist Yunus--- Today’s so-called election by Yunus, who seized power illegally and unconstitutionally,… pic.twitter.com/bPmR2z5Fc1— Bangladesh Awami League (@albd1971) February 12, 2026 Gratitude from the People’s Leader Sheikh Hasina to All Citizens, Including Mothers, Sisters, and Minority Communities, for Rejecting the Farcical Election of the Murderous-Fascist Yunus--- Today’s so-called election by Yunus, who seized power illegally and unconstitutionally,… pic.twitter.com/bPmR2z5Fc1 Today’s election has effectively turned into a straight contest between BNP chief Tarique Rahman and Jamaat-e-Islami leader Shafiqur Rahman, who is spearheading an 11-party alliance. Opinion polls suggest Tarique Rahman—son of former prime minister Khaleda Zia, is the frontrunner in the race for the country’s top job, though Shafiqur Rahman has seen a surge in support since Sheikh Hasina was removed from power. The rival camps are battling for control of the 350-seat parliament, with the Awami League barred from the electoral process. Alongside the parliamentary vote, Bangladesh is also holding a referendum on the July National Charter 2025, a post–student protest document expected to shape the nation’s future governance framework, according to Al Jazeera reports. Bangladesh held its first national election since the 2024 mass protests that ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in a largely peaceful vote seen as a key test of the country’s democracy. Voter turnout picked up after a slow start, with over 47% participation by mid-afternoon. Polling closed at around 4:30 pm, counting began immediately and results are expected on Friday. More than 127 million voters were eligible in the election, which follows Hasina’s exile in India and the banning of her party from the polls after the protest movement widely described as a Gen Z-led uprising. Vote counting commenced in Bangladesh after polling concluded across 299 constituencies on Thursday (February 12). The parliamentary elections recorded a voter turnout of 40.9% by noon. Top political leaders, including BNP chief Tarique Rahman and Jamaat leader Shafiqur Rahman, voted early and urged peaceful participation. Yunus termed the day the “birthday of the new Bangladesh,” calling on citizens to vote freely and peacefully as authorities worked to contain sporadic unrest. (PTI) The contest is primarily between the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami, following the disbanding of the Awami League by the interim government led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus. Nearly one million security personnel have been deployed, with drones and body cameras used for the first time. International observers from 45 countries are monitoring the polls. (PTI) Over 32.8% of voters had cast their ballots by noon as Bangladesh held its 13th parliamentary elections alongside a referendum on an 84-point reform package. Voting continued across 299 of 300 constituencies, with one seat postponed due to a candidate’s death. Election officials said there was no alarming situation despite isolated incidents of violence, including hand bomb blasts, clashes between BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami activists, and one reported death. (PTI) Follow here for more updates.