Bangladesh Election Results 2026 Highlights: ‘Yes’ won in favour of July National Charter implementation
Kartavya Desk Staff
Bangladesh Election Results 2026 HIGHLIGHTS: Vote counting for the high-stakes election in Bangladesh ended on Friday. The BNP and its allies won a convincing victory over the 11-party alliance led by Jamaat-e-Islami. This was the first election after the 2024 ouster of long-time PM Sheikh Hasina. The BNP’s Morshed Milton won former PM Khaleda Zia’s seat Bogra-7, while Zia’s son Tarique Rahman won the two seats — Dhaka 17 and Bogra 6 — which he contested. Rahman is the frontrunner for the PM’s post. PM Narendra Modi and Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif have congratulated Rahman on BNP’s historic win. Jamaat-e-Islami makes inroads: With the Awami League barred from the election, the politics of Bangladesh has undergone a radical shift. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by the recently returned Rahman promising a “new path” focused on job creation and the rule of law. However, they faced a challenge from former allies Jamaat-e-Islami and the youth-led National Citizen Party (NCP), which is now in alliance with Jamaat. The JIB has emerged as the second-largest party, but together with its allies managed to scrape barely 69 seats. As the trends came in, the JIB said the counting process was doubtful as was the integrity of a section of Election Commission officials. Election in numbers: This time, more than 2,000 candidates, including many independents, were vying for 300 seats in the Jatiya Sangsad, or House of the Nation. Voting in one constituency has been postponed due to the death of a candidate. At least 50 parties contested in total, which is a national record. The BNP also bagged all three seats in Gopalganj district, a stronghold of former PM Sheikh Hasina. Hasina’s constituency Gopalganj-3, which she has been winning since 1991, was won by SM Zilani. "Most of the Bangladeshi papulation doesn’t approve of jamat ‘s communal bias against the minorities. That is good news," Javed Akhtar on Jamat-e-Islami losing the election. > 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… In Pabna-3 BNP, Hasan Zafir Tuhin has asked for a vote recount after losing by 3,269. As per the bdnews24.com report, Jamaat-e-Islami's Ali Asgar won with 147,475 votes. Tuhin has filed a written appeal with the district administration. (bdnews24.com inputs) "The atrocities against Hindus are increasing, with over 24 Hindus killed in just two months... Now, with the election concluded, we hope that our neighbour will return to the path of democracy," said VHP Spokesperson Vinod Bansal on Bangladesh elections. > #watch | Delhi: On the new government in Bangladesh, VHP Spokesperson Vinod Bansal says, "... Unfortunately, just a few days before the elections, an innocent 28‑year‑old Hindu was killed in a tea garden in Bangladesh. The atrocities against Hindus are increasing, with over 24… pic.twitter.com/hH2QdFyaOm— ANI (@ANI) February 13, 2026 #watch | Delhi: On the new government in Bangladesh, VHP Spokesperson Vinod Bansal says, "... Unfortunately, just a few days before the elections, an innocent 28‑year‑old Hindu was killed in a tea garden in Bangladesh. The atrocities against Hindus are increasing, with over 24… pic.twitter.com/hH2QdFyaOm "India is a neighbouring country, and we should maintain good relations with our neighbour.We need friendship with India, but it should be based on our national interest — nothing more. We do not wish to create enmity with anyone," said BNP leader Gayeshwar Chandra Roy on Indo-Bangla relations. > VIDEO | Dhaka, Bangladesh: On India-Bangladesh relations, BNP leader who won from Dhaka 3 seat, Gayeshwar Chandra Roy says, “… India is a neighbouring country, and we should maintain good relations with our neighbour. We should have friendly relations with all countries, except… pic.twitter.com/bFMiHlYzez— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 13, 2026 VIDEO | Dhaka, Bangladesh: On India-Bangladesh relations, BNP leader who won from Dhaka 3 seat, Gayeshwar Chandra Roy says, “… India is a neighbouring country, and we should maintain good relations with our neighbour. We should have friendly relations with all countries, except… pic.twitter.com/bFMiHlYzez "It was a very historic election because it was a very mixed kind of government under which the election was held," said Riva Ganguly Das, former Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh. "I think people in Bangladesh were a little disappointed that the turnout was not as much as they had expected. But I don't think turnout was too bad, considering that one major political party was absent from the contest," she added. > #watch | Delhi: On the Bangladesh elections, Riva Ganguly Das, former Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, says, "It was a very historic election because it was a very mixed kind of a government under which the election was held. It wasn't really a caretaker government as they… pic.twitter.com/GbecE4SrqU— ANI (@ANI) February 13, 2026 #watch | Delhi: On the Bangladesh elections, Riva Ganguly Das, former Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, says, "It was a very historic election because it was a very mixed kind of a government under which the election was held. It wasn't really a caretaker government as they… pic.twitter.com/GbecE4SrqU "The forces which placed the division in the name of religion over the unifying culture of Bangladesh have been destroyed, and that is an extremely positive sign for our region, because it is a reassertion of social harmony from the heart of the Bangladeshi voter," said former MoS MEA MJ Akbar on the Bangladesh election. > #watch | Delhi: On Bangladesh Election and BNP's victory, Former MoS MEA MJ Akbar says, "... The biggest message of this election is that the Bangladeshi women have demolished the Jamat-e-Islami. They have done so because Jamat represented an anti-women platform. It spoke of… pic.twitter.com/xBUzG1tIPs— ANI (@ANI) February 13, 2026 #watch | Delhi: On Bangladesh Election and BNP's victory, Former MoS MEA MJ Akbar says, "... The biggest message of this election is that the Bangladeshi women have demolished the Jamat-e-Islami. They have done so because Jamat represented an anti-women platform. It spoke of… pic.twitter.com/xBUzG1tIPs After the win, BNP is now pushing for the extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from India to face trial in Bangladesh. "The foreign minister has already persuaded the case for her extradition, and we also support it," said senior BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed. Ahmed said that Bangladesh hopes to maintain normal relations with all neighbours, including India, on equal terms. "We always press for her extradition according to the law. This is between the foreign ministries of the two countries. We also asked the government of India to please send her back to face trial in Bangladesh," he added. (PTI inputs) Former Deputy High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sanjay Bhattacharya wished BNP with a smooth and quick transition and said, "For the people of Bangladesh, what was not primary in the last 18 months or so is the question of the economy and of their society and its identity as Bangladesh, and I hope Tarique will address many of these issues." > VIDEO | Delhi: “A smooth transition is expected, with Bangladesh Nationalist Party leader Tarique Rahman set to take charge,” says Sanjay Bhattacharya, former Deputy High Commissioner to Bangladesh.(Full video available on https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/7wvyOwGBbW— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 13, 2026 VIDEO | Delhi: “A smooth transition is expected, with Bangladesh Nationalist Party leader Tarique Rahman set to take charge,” says Sanjay Bhattacharya, former Deputy High Commissioner to Bangladesh.(Full video available on https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/7wvyOwGBbW Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge congratulates Tarique Rahman and the BNP for winning the Parliamentary elections in Bangladesh. > On behalf of the Indian National Congress, I congratulate Mr. Tarique Rahman and the BNP for winning the Parliamentary elections in Bangladesh.India and Bangladesh share deep rooted bonds of history, language, culture, and multitude of other commonalities. A democratic,…— Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) February 13, 2026 On behalf of the Indian National Congress, I congratulate Mr. Tarique Rahman and the BNP for winning the Parliamentary elections in Bangladesh.India and Bangladesh share deep rooted bonds of history, language, culture, and multitude of other commonalities. A democratic,… In Nilphamari, Jamaat-e-Islami has won four parliamentary seats. Md Abdus Sattar, Md Al Faruk Abdul Latif, Maulana Obaidullah Salafi, and Hafez Abdul Muntakim won the four seats in Nilphamari. (bdnews24.com) The July National Charter referendum was passed with a 60.06% "Yes", as per the bdnews24.com report. Out of 70,640,056 referendum voters, 48,074,429 voters cast "Yes". (bdnews24.com) Alongside the 13th National Parliamentary election, Bangladesh held a referendum on the implementation of the July National Charter. A question, “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?” covering four issues, was presented for the voters to express their opinions by voting "Yes" or "No". The key points covered under the four issues raised were: • Future caretaker governments and constitutional bodies must now be formed strictly according to the July Charter’s guidelines. • Bicameral parliament • Winning parties will be bound to implement the 30 proposals on which political parties reached consensus in the July National Charter. • All other reforms outlined in the Charter must be executed in line with party commitments. (Dhaka Tribune) Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken to BNP chairman Tarique Rahman and reaffirmed "India’s continued commitment to the peace, progress, and prosperity of both our peoples." > 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… "My expectation from the government that is now designated there, which is about to be formed, is that it will work together with other countries, be it India, Pakistan, or other neighbouring countries, to combat poverty, the climate crisis, and unemployment," PDP MLA Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi on Bangladesh elections. > #watch | Jammu, J&K: On the Bangladesh elections, PDP MLA Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi says, "I would like to congratulate the people of Bangladesh for voting more than 50%, deciding their future. My expectation from the government that is now designated there, which is about to be… pic.twitter.com/0grNAOawuO— ANI (@ANI) February 13, 2026 #watch | Jammu, J&K: On the Bangladesh elections, PDP MLA Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi says, "I would like to congratulate the people of Bangladesh for voting more than 50%, deciding their future. My expectation from the government that is now designated there, which is about to be… pic.twitter.com/0grNAOawuO "What used to be a one-man rule, a gangster rule, has now been replaced by a democratic setup," BJP MLA Vikram Randhawa on Bangladesh elections. > #watch | Jammu, J&K: On the Bangladesh elections, BJP MLA Vikram Randhawa says, "The people of Bangladesh must have made a decision based on their own wisdom. I can certainly say that, given the atmosphere of anarchy that had developed and the way minorities in particular were… pic.twitter.com/3suS1NXj6g— ANI (@ANI) February 13, 2026 #watch | Jammu, J&K: On the Bangladesh elections, BJP MLA Vikram Randhawa says, "The people of Bangladesh must have made a decision based on their own wisdom. I can certainly say that, given the atmosphere of anarchy that had developed and the way minorities in particular were… pic.twitter.com/3suS1NXj6g Senior Bangladesh journalist Omar Tasiq speaks about shift in Bangladesh political culture. > VIDEO | “BNP victory signals major shift in Bangladesh’s political culture”, says Senior Bangladesh journalist Omar Tasiq.(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/mWItjNXiDX— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 13, 2026 VIDEO | “BNP victory signals major shift in Bangladesh’s political culture”, says Senior Bangladesh journalist Omar Tasiq.(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/mWItjNXiDX The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by Tarique Rahman won the Bangladesh parliamentary election by returning to power after nearly two decades. The BNP and its allies won at least 212 of the 299 seats contested. The opposition party Jamaat- e- Islami and its allies won 77 seats. > The Bangladesh Nationalist Party won a landslide parliamentary election, local TV stations showed, securing a resounding mandate in a pivotal vote that is expected to restore political stability in the South Asian nation https://t.co/sWQJOcJRTe— Reuters (@Reuters) February 13, 2026 The Bangladesh Nationalist Party won a landslide parliamentary election, local TV stations showed, securing a resounding mandate in a pivotal vote that is expected to restore political stability in the South Asian nation https://t.co/sWQJOcJRTe For a country which has had women as Prime Ministers for over three decades, Bnagladesh has performed poorly in the latest elections as far as women's representation is concerned. This year, only seven women candidates have been elected to the Bangladesh Parliament. Six of them are from Tarique Rahman's BNP, while one is a BNP rebel, who fought as an independent candidate. The winning women candidates are Afroza Khan Rita from Manikganj-3, Israt Sultana Elen Bhutto from Jhalokati-2, Tahsina Rushdir Luna from Sylhet-2, Shama Obaid from Faridpur-2, Nayab Yusuf Kamal from Faridpur-3, Farzana Sharmin Putul from Natore-1, and rebel Rumin Farhana from Brahmanbaria-2. The Shafiqur Rahman-led Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh (JIB) has expressed dissatisfaction over the counting process. The party in a statement said candidates of the 11-party alliance narrowly and suspiciously lost in various constituencies. It also alleged "inconsistencies and fabrications" in unofficial result announcements. "The Election Commission’s reluctance to publish voter turnout percentages and indications that a section of the administration leaned towards a major party... undoubtedly raises serious questions about the integrity of the results process," the JIB said. The latest round of counting shows the party and its allies struggling to get even 70 seats. Former ambassador Veena Sikri pointed out the dismal performance by former BNP ally Jamaat-e-Islami and said: “Rejection of the Pakistan-backed Jamaat is a reaffirmation of Bangladeshi people supporting democratic values”, she says. > VIDEO | “Rejection of Pak-backed Jamaat a reaffirmation of Bangladesh people supporting democratic values”, says Former ambassador Veena Sikri on poll results.#bangladeshelections2026 (Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/6tUOkZMPHI— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 13, 2026 VIDEO | “Rejection of Pak-backed Jamaat a reaffirmation of Bangladesh people supporting democratic values”, says Former ambassador Veena Sikri on poll results.#bangladeshelections2026 (Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/6tUOkZMPHI > VIDEO | Delhi: As BNP claims victory in Bangladesh's election, Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar (@DrSukantaBJP) says, “I congratulate BNP. People have chosen them. Under this leadership, we hope there is peace in Bangladesh. Our main concern was the increasing atrocities on… pic.twitter.com/ikkYPfBQT9— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 13, 2026 VIDEO | Delhi: As BNP claims victory in Bangladesh's election, Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar (@DrSukantaBJP) says, “I congratulate BNP. People have chosen them. Under this leadership, we hope there is peace in Bangladesh. Our main concern was the increasing atrocities on… pic.twitter.com/ikkYPfBQT9 Union minister and BJP Bengal president Sukanta Majumdar congratulated the BNP and said: "People have chosen them. Under this leadership, we hope there is peace in Bangladesh. Our main concern was the increasing atrocities on Hindus, and we hope it doesn’t happen in future." BNP chairman Tarique Rahman offered prayer at Gulshan mosque in Dhaka after BNP's decisive win. Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on Friday claimed victory in the crucial general elections, marred by sporadic incidents of violence, to elect a new government to replace the interim administration. The Muhammad Yunus-led interim government took charge after the fall of Sheikh Hasina's Awami League regime in August 2024. > VIDEO | Dhaka: BNP leader Tarique Rahman leaves his residence to offer prayer at Gulshan mosque.Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on Friday claimed victory in the crucial general elections, marred by sporadic incidents of violence, to elect a new government to replace the… pic.twitter.com/URMf3SO5CT— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 13, 2026 VIDEO | Dhaka: BNP leader Tarique Rahman leaves his residence to offer prayer at Gulshan mosque.Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on Friday claimed victory in the crucial general elections, marred by sporadic incidents of violence, to elect a new government to replace the… pic.twitter.com/URMf3SO5CT The BNP has thanked PM Narendra Modi for congratulating Tarique Rahman. BNP's election coordination committee chief Nazrul Islam Khan said, "We thank him [PM Modi] and we believe that under the leadership of our leader Tarique Rahman, the relation between these two countries and their people will be strengthened." > VIDEO | Bangladesh Elections 2026: Nazrul Islam Khan, BNP's polls coordination committee chief on PM Modi's congratulatory message BNP chief Tarique Rahman, says , "We also on behalf of our party thank him and we believe that under the leadership of our leader Tarique Rahman,… pic.twitter.com/ePNTIFLlxa— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 13, 2026 VIDEO | Bangladesh Elections 2026: Nazrul Islam Khan, BNP's polls coordination committee chief on PM Modi's congratulatory message BNP chief Tarique Rahman, says , "We also on behalf of our party thank him and we believe that under the leadership of our leader Tarique Rahman,… pic.twitter.com/ePNTIFLlxa As per Daily Star, the BNP has extended its lead to 208 seats now. The JIB leads in 62 seats. The counting for 15 more seats remains. The BNP won 7 of the 13 constituencies in Bangladesh capital Dhaka, while the Jamaat-e-Islami won 5 seats. Student leader Nahid Islam of the National Citizen Party (NCP) won the remaining seat (Dhaka-11). NCP and JIB are allies. Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has congratulated Tarique Rahman on "leading the BNP to a resounding victory in the Parliamentary elections in Bangladesh". Sharif said that he was looking forward to working closely to strengthen "historic, brotherly multifaceted bilateral Pakistan-Bangladesh relations" and "advance our shared goals of peace, stability, and development in South Asia and beyond". > 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 BNP and its allies have increased their lead to 181 seats. A win for the Jamaat-e-Islami and its 10 allies, leading in merely 61 constituencies, looks impossible now. BNP's permanent national committee member ZM Zahid Hossain has won the Dinajpur-6 as per the unofficial results announced by the party. In the wake of several incidents of violence against the minority Hindus in Bangladesh, PM Modi today called on BNP chairman Tarique Rahman for an "inclusive Bangladesh". In a message congratulating Rahman for BNP's victory in the polls, he said: "This victory shows the trust of the people of Bangladesh in your leadership. India will continue to stand in support of a democratic, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh." He further said that India looks forward to working with Bangladesh to achieve common development goals. > 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,… With the BNP's win almost confirmed now, take a look at who could become the next PM of Bangladesh. Morshed Milton, the candidate fielded by the BNP in Bogra-7 constituency after Khaleda Zia's death, has won a landslide victory. He won 2,62,501 votes, while his closest rival, Jamaat-e-Islami's Golam Rabbani managed to bag 1,15,184 votes. The seat was won by Khaleda Zia in every election from 1991 to 2008. Babu Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, a member of BNP's National Standing Committee, has won the Dhaka-3 seat in the unofficial results. 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. “Counting for yesterday’s election and referendum results started from 5:00pm. It is now nearly 4:00am, yet we are witnessing unusual delays in the process by those involved with the Commission,” he said while speaking to reporters at the Election Commission in Dhaka's Agargaon. Vote counting in the 13th national parliamentary election early this morning showed the BNP securing a majority of seats, with the party winning 151 constituencies so far. Initial trends also indicated Jamaat-e-Islami would emerge as the main opposition, securing 43 seats. Results continued to come in across the country, pointing to a decisive outcome in parliament. Bangladesh had sent an invitation to India to send election observers, but India declined to deploy them. "We did receive an invitation to send observers. We have not sent our observers to Bangladesh to observe the elections," said Indian Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal during a press briefing in New Delhi yesterday. The former governing Awami League, which was barred from contesting, called today’s vote a “well‑planned farce” orchestrated by interim government head Yunus, saying the election ignored people’s voting rights, democratic values and the constitution, and that they will not accept the outcome.-The Daily Star The Bangladesh Nationalist Party said it was on its way to a landslide victory in a pivotal national election late on Thursday, as the head of its main rival appeared to indicate he would accept the result. The parliamentary election was Bangladesh's first vote since the 2024 Gen Z-driven uprising that toppled long-time premier Sheikh Hasina. Analysts say a clear outcome is crucial for stability in the nation of 175 million after months of deadly anti-Hasina unrest disrupted everyday life and hit major industries, including the garment sector, the world's second largest exporter. India on Thursday said it will wait for the outcome of the elections in Bangladesh and the mandate, and then look at issues which are there. As the polling was underway in the neighbouring country in the afternoon, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "We stand for a free, fair, inclusive and credible elections in Bangladesh." The voting for the 13th parliamentary elections in Bangladesh was held along with a referendum on the implementation of a complex 84-point reform package, known as the July National Charter. The counting of votes began after voting concluded at 4:30 pm (local time). Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) candidate Mohammad Fakhrul Islam has been able to secure a comfortable lead in Noakhali-5 seat after receiving over 145,000 votes. Islam's closest rival, Jamaat-e-Islami’s Mohammad Belayet Hossain, has received over 114,000 votes, reported bdnews24. The official result website of Bangladesh Election Commission remains down as counting continues to take place across the country after the voting concluded in the 13th parliamentary elections on Thursday. No constituency winners have officially been declared by the election commission yet, reports stated. Among the five parliamentary constituencies in Netrokona, BNP-backed candidates are leading in four seats. 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. BNP leading in 40 out of 102 seats in Narsingdi-3, The Daily Star reported. In Narsingdi-3 (Shibpur) constituency, BNP candidate Manjur Elahi takes early lead with 29,497 votes. Independent candidate Ariful Islam Mridha has so far gained 20,486 votes, The Daily Star reported. Former US Congressman David Dreier, head of a visiting International Republican Institute (IRI) election observation mission, has described how “everyone seems to be working hard to ensure the election continues to be free and fair”, according to Dhaka Tribune. “Today is a very exciting day in the history of this wonderful country … this is my first visit to Bangladesh, and I can see the excitement, happiness, and festive feeling among so many Bangladeshis”, Dreier was quoted as saying by Dhaka Tribune. Following the polling, the Election Commission expressed its gratitude to all political parties, candidates, law enforcement agencies, government and private officials and employees responsible for the elections, observers, media workers, voters for their overall cooperation. In a press release, Ruhul Amin Mallik, director (public relations) of the commission, has requested all concerned to organise special prayers in all mosques after Juma prayers tomorrow (Friday) and special prayers at other places of worship at convenient times, seeking peace, prosperity, and progress in Bangladesh. Habiba Begum, an independent candidate in the Rajshahi‑3 (Paba-Mohanpur) constituency was allegedly assaulted in front of a polling centre. The incident happened around 3:30 pm outside the the Nalkhola Government Primary School in Paba upazila. According to The Daily Star, Habiba was allegedly slapped multiple times. Habiba is a former female vice‑chairman of Mohanpur Upazila Parishad and previously served as women affairs secretary of Mohanpur upazila Krishak League. The Daily Star reported that Md Asaduzzaman, former attorney general of Bangladesh and BNP candidate is leading from Jhenaidah-1 (Shailkupa) constituency. He had quit the 17th Attorney General post to fight the polls. Earlier, he had served as Human Rights Secretary of the BNP Central Executive Committee and as an adviser to late party chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. It should be noted that people in Bangladesh are voting not only for the next leader and the formation of a new government, but also for the country's political future. The Mohammad Yunus-led interim government drafted a referendum on the July National Charter 2025, which outlines constitutional amendments, legal challenges and new laws. After exercising their franchise, voters will decide on four major reforms, including the creation of new constitutional bodies. Other questions address the implementation of 30 charter reforms, including term limits for prime ministers and increased presidential powers. With inputs from Al Jazeera There were no reports of major violence, but a BNP leader died in a scuffle outside a polling booth in the coastal town of Khulna and two paramilitary personnel and a 13-year old girl were injured when a home-made bomb exploded outside a polling booth in Hasina's stronghold of Gopalganj. Around 958,000 personnel from the police, army and paramiltary forces were deployed throughout the country on election day, the Election Commission said. Police and army personnel were stationed outside most polling booths. On the big election day, the European Union Election Observation Mission (EOM)'s chief observer in Bangladesh, Ivars Ijabs, has visited several polling stations in Dhaka. Anticipating a "participatory, credible and trusted" election, Ijabs said, “I think this is really a big day for Bangladesh’s democracy." The EOM sent 90 short-term observers to all 64 administrative districts on election day. Notably, as many as 50 observers have been on the ground in the run-up to the elections since mid-January. The EOM team will come up with a preliminary report on the proceedings. With inputs from Al Jazeera Leaders of key parties said that they will accept the results of the elections if they are held in a "free, fair, impartial manner." "I have exercised my constitutional right to vote. For more than a decade, the people of Bangladesh have been waiting for this day," BNP chairman Tarique Rahman said, emerging from the polling centre. He said if elected to power, "We will lay priority to improving law and order in the country so that people feel secure". Later, after visiting several polling centres in the capital, he said that BNP will accept the results if the election is held in a "free, fair, impartial manner and without controversy". With PTI inputs As the counting of votes in Bangladesh, former Prime Minister and ousted leader Sheikh Hasina wrote in a post on X "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, 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. 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. According to the Election Commission’s briefing, by 11 a.m. - just three and a half hours into voting - only 14.96% of eligible voters had participated. This extremely low turnout clearly shows that the Awami League–free election was widely rejected by the people. It is important to note that in the preceding days, continuous attacks, arrests, intimidation, and fear were inflicted on Awami League voters, supporters, well-wishers, and minority communities, forcing them toward polling centers. Even so, despite all threats and harassment, people rejected this fraudulent election, leaving most polling centers effectively empty. Additionally, abnormal increases in voter numbers were observed in voter lists, especially in Dhaka city, which raises serious questions and is highly suspicious. In this context, we demand: 📷The cancellation of this voter-less, illegal, and unconstitutional election 📷The resignation of the murderous-fascist Yunus 📷The release of all political prisoners, including teachers, journalists, and intellectuals, and withdrawal of all false cases 📷The revocation of the suspension on Awami League activities 📷The holding of free, fair, and inclusive elections under a neutral caretaker government to restore the people’s voting rights." The Jamaat-led 11-party alliance has demanded that voting be annulled and sought for new polls at several centres in Cumilla-8, Shariatpur-2 and Patuakhali-1, alleging irregularities and voter intimidation. A 10-member delegation met Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin. Addressing media, Jamaat assistant secretary-general, Moazzem Hossain Helal, said the alliance submitted written complaints and “more than 100” video clips as evidence. Helal also alleged violence in Noakhali-6 since last night and said there were problems in Jhalokathi and Shariatpur, including claims that polling agents were expelled. With inputs from Al Jazeera Following the election across 299 constituencies, Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus has called on all political parties and candidates to exercise “restraint and democratic decorum”. Yunus was quoted as saying by BdNews24.com, "“Differences of opinion will exist, but we must remain united in the national interest.” Yunus congratulated the nation, saying that both the parliamentary election and the referendum had concluded in a “peaceful and festive atmosphere.” Meanwhile, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal says, "The elections are currently underway in Bangladesh. We should wait for the outcome to see what kind of mandate emerges, and thereafter we will look at the issues that arise..." Monira Sharmin, secretary of the National Citizens’ Party (NCP) Election Management Committee, has alleged multiple irregularities in the election, warning that any attempt to manipulate the results would not be accepted. Addressing media at the party office in Banglamotor in the capital, Sharmin said the voting process was generally smooth until noon, but complaints of misconduct began surfacing afterward, with no action taken by authorities. With inputs from Dhaka Tribune Bangladesh Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin was quoted as saying by Dhaka Tribune that the country set out on the path of democracy and expressed hope that the "train of democracy" will reach its destination. After exercising his franchise, Uddin said public confidence in the Election Commission is already being restored through the current polls. “ If trust has not returned, so many people would not have come to the polling centres,” Uddin said. Uddin added, "You have seen previous elections where even stray dogs were seen at polling centres. Today, there are no dogs in sight; there are only voters and voters everywhere.” Further, he said, around 17 lakh people, including nearly 9,50,000 law enforcement personnel and about 8,00,000 polling officials, have been engaged in conducting the election. “Bringing 17 lakh people together in a coordinated way is an enormous task. Just imagine how challenging it is,” he said. Here is a definitive guide for voters and observers tracking live trends and final results: The Bangladesh Election Commission (BEC) remains the primary and most credible source for verified data. Official website: Seat-wise and constituency-wise results will be uploaded in real time on the Election Commission’s official portal as returning officers complete local counts. ‘Smart Election Management BD’ App: The government’s official mobile application provides • Live constituency updates • Candidate details • Turnout data • Referendum results The app is available on both Google Play Store and Apple App Store. Experts have urged citizens to rely only on official EC data to avoid misinformation. Voters this year are monitoring two parallel exercises: Jatiya Sangsad (National Parliament) 300 directly contested seats Majority mark: 151 The contest is primarily between the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami, in the absence of Hasina’s now-disbanded Awami League. Voters are simultaneously participating in a “Yes/No” referendum on an 84-point reform package known as the “July Charter”, introduced by interim chief Muhammad Yunus. This time more than 2,000 candidates, including many independents, are vying for 300 seats in the Jatiya Sangsad, or House of the Nation. The two prime ministerial candidates are the BNP’s Tarique Rahman and Jamaat chief Shafiqur Rahman. They are not related. Voting in one constituency has been postponed due to the death of a candidate. At least 50 parties are contesting in total, a national record. Tens of millions of Bangladeshis voted on Thursday in an election that they hope will provide stability and growth after the 2024 ouster of long-time premier Sheikh Hasina in a Gen Z-driven uprising. The polling concluded at 4 pm across 299 constituencies in the country. As many as five constituencies in Dhaka has recorded a voter turnout of 40.9 percent by 2 pm, Dhaka Deputy Commissioner (DC) office was quoted as saying by Daily Star. The constituencies are Dhaka-1, Dhaka-2, Dhaka-3, Dhaka-19 and Dhaka-20, Mahabob Ullah Mazumder, additional deputy commissioner, told The Daily Star. Tens of millions of Bangladeshis voted on Thursday in an election that they hope will provide stability and growth after the 2024 ouster of long-time premier Sheikh Hasina in a Gen Z-driven uprising. With around 128 million people eligible to vote, turnout reached a high 32.88% by noon at about three-fourths of the 42,651 polling centres across the country, Akhtar Ahmed, senior secretary of the Election Commission, told reporters. Analysts say a decisive result is crucial for steady governance in the nation of 175 million, as the deadly anti-Hasina protests triggered months of unrest and disrupted key industries, including the huge garments sector, the world's second-largest exporter. It is the world's first election after an uprising led by under-30s, or Gen Z, to be followed by Nepal next month. The contest pits two coalitions led by former allies, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and the Islamist Jamaat-e-Islami, with opinion polls giving an edge to the BNP. In the capital Dhaka, people queued up outside voting booths before polls opened at 7:30 a.m. (0130 GMT), including eager participants like Mohammed Jobair Hossain, 39, who said he last voted in 2008. "I am feeling excited because we are voting in a free manner after 17 years," Hossain said as he waited in line. "Our votes will matter and have meaning." Hossain's sentiment was echoed by many voters, who told Reuters that the atmosphere felt more free and festive than earlier elections. Tarique Rahman, who has spent 17 years in exile and is now the main contender for Bangladesh’s next prime minister, told the Guardian that, if his Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) wins, he will launch a “top‑down, zero‑tolerance” campaign against corruption to put the country on a new, clean‑politics path after nearly two decades of flawed elections and entrenched graft. angladesh began voting on Thursday, February 12, in its 13th parliamentary elections, a high-stakes contest seen as a defining moment for the country’s democracy following the 2024 mass uprising that ousted former prime minister Sheikh Hasina. Polling opened at 7:30 am local time in 299 of the 300 parliamentary constituencies and will continue until 4:30 pm. The vote is being held simultaneously with a referendum on an ambitious 84-point reform package introduced by interim government chief Muhammad Yunus. Read the full story here. EU Election Observation Mission chief observer Ivars Ijabs called today “a big day for Bangladesh’s democracy” after visiting Dhaka University’s Curzon Hall polling centre and Siddheswari Girls' College, adding that the EU expects a “participatory, credible and trusted” election and will release a preliminary report on February 14, while more than 394 international observers and 197 foreign journalists are monitoring the polls, more than double the number from the 2024 election. The Daily Star Three people a 13‑year‑old girl and two Ansar members were injured when a crude bomb exploded at Reshma International School polling centre in Gopalganj’s Nichupara area around 9 am, according to Additional Superintendent of Police Md Sarwar Hossain, who said the blast caused only minor injuries. -The Daily Star The Election Commission recorded a 32.88 % voter turnout at 32,789 polling centres about 77 % of the total as of 12:00 pm today, with voting still active at 42,651 centres nationwide and no reports of any centre suspending voting, according to EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed, speaking at the EC headquarters. -The Daily Star Voting is proceeding peacefully across Rangamati, Khagrachhari and Bandarban, with turnout low in the early hours but gradually rising; by 10:30 am, about 16 % of ballots had been cast at Perachhara High School in Khagrachhari, while Bandarban centres recorded 8–15 % between 7:30 am and 10:00 am, and overall district turnout around 14 % during that window, according to presiding officers and the returning officer’s control room. By 12 pm, about 27 % of voters had cast their ballots across five Dhaka constituencies—Dhaka‑1 (27.2 %), Dhaka‑2 (28.8 %), Dhaka‑3 (25.1 %), Dhaka‑19 (26.5 %) and Dhaka‑20 (28 %)according to Additional Deputy Commissioner Mahabob Ullah Mazumder of the Dhaka DC office, as reported by The Daily Star. The image of the public desecration of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s statue in Dhaka is perhaps the most telling spectacle of resistance in the ongoing political developments in Bangladesh. The attack on Mujib would appear to be a symbol of opposition to the dominant historical narrative about the Bangladesh Liberation War as we have known for decades. Scholars suggest that this reading of Bangladesh’s history is not necessarily untrue, but exaggerates certain episodes and characters while obliterating others. Read the full story here. Chief of Army Staff General Waker‑Uz‑Zaman said he’d been waiting a year‑and‑a‑half for this day, hoping for a fair election, and after casting his vote at Adamjee Cantonment College he reported, “The election is underway in a congenial atmosphere; I’ve received information from across the country and, as per my reports, voting is going on peacefully everywhere.” He urged all voters to head to polling centres without fear, calling it “a very important day for us,” and praised media personnel for their vital role in keeping the public informed, even though they don’t vote themselves. (With inputs from Bangladesh’s news outlet The daily Star) Three people were hurt when a cocktail‑type explosive was tossed from across the canal at the Reshma International School polling station in Gopalganj Sadar Upazila, Bangladesh. Sub‑Inspector Jahidul Islam said voting had been calm until the blast, which injured two Ansar paramilitary members and 14‑year‑old Amena Khanam, who was with a voter. The explosion damaged the main gate and sent panic through the crowd, and police have gathered evidence from the scene, as reported by the Bangladesh’s Prothom Alo news outlet. A 28-year-old man, with his hands and legs tied up, was found dead on Wednesday in Bangladesh’s Kamalganj, news website Daily Star reported. The body was found in a tea estate a day ahead of the elections. The deceased was identified as Ratan Shuvo Kar, an employee of Champara Tea Garden in Islampur, officer in charge of Kamalganj Police Station Abdul Awal was quoted as saying in the news report. Read the full story here. Voters wait in line outside a polling center ahead of its opening to cast their ballots during the national parliamentary elections in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026. (AP Photo/Mahmud Hossain Opu) A Bangladeshi Christian nun casts her vote in a polling station during national parliamentary election in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath) Tasnim Jara, an Independent candidate for Dhaka-9, alleged that her polling agents faced obstruction at several voting centres, with many denied entry or expelled on what she described as “baseless and fabricated” grounds, The Daily Star reported. Additional district magistrate of Dhaka Mahbub Ullah Majumder told The Daily Star that around 11.78% voters cast their votes till 10 am (local time) in Dhaka 1, 2, 3, 19 and 20 constituencies. Bangladesh’s interim leader cast his vote at a Dhaka polling centre and told reporters, “From today, we have gained the opportunity to create a new Bangladesh at every step.” He added, “This is a great day in my life and a great day for all of Bangladesh – a day of liberation. It marks the end of our nightmare and the beginning of a new chapter through this process,” while stressing that the referendum is “particularly crucial” and could transform the country. Inputs from agencies (Express Photo) Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami chief Shafiqur Rahman on Wednesday voiced confidence that his party could come to power with the backing of voters. Rahman noted that he had been unable to vote in the 2014, 2018 and 2024 elections because he was in prison, and described being able to cast his ballot this time as a long-awaited opportunity after missing three successive polls. He cast his vote around 8:30 AM. "If the election is held in a fair and neutral manner, we will accept the result — and others must accept it too," he was quoted as saying by Bangladeshi news website Daily Star. Voting during the 13th National Parliament election and the accompanying referendum on Thursday is taking voters under three minutes on average. Observations published by Bangladeshi daily Prothom Alo showed that the time spent inside the secret booth alone is a little over 90 seconds. The chairman of the BNP has voted at the Gulshan Model High School and College in Dhaka. Tarique Rahman, who is widely seen as the frontrunner in the election, returned from the UK last December after 17 years in exile. After casting his vote, Tarique Rahman said that he has yet to receive reports from all corners of the country. However, he mentioned that they have received information about some unexpected incidents in various parts of the country last night. “We received some unexpected reports last night, which are not desirable at all,” he said. “However, we have seen that the law enforcement agencies have handled every situation very strictly. I believe that if people turn up at polling centres in large numbers today and cast their votes, any conspiracy can be thwarted.” Asked about his expectations for the results, the BNP chairman struck an optimistic note. “Voting has just begun, so it would not be right to comment on the outcome just yet,” he said. “But I am, Insha’Allah, very optimistic. We have full faith in the people’s verdict.” Express Photo More than 2,000 contenders, just 109 are women roughly 4.24% according to the Daily Star, with 72 nominated by parties and the rest running as independents; 30 of 51 parties failed to field any female candidate, prompting the Women’s Political Rights Forum to demand accountability for missing the five‑percent quota. Bangladesh deploys nearly 958,000 security personnel and placed over 90% of its 42,779 polling centres under CCTV, drone, and body‑worn camera surveillance for today’s national election and referendum, Election Commissioner Abul Fazal Mohammad Sanaullah announced. Voting proceeds in 299 constituencies, with one seat in Sherpur postponed after a candidate’s death. An army official announces to the voters to maintain discipline in a polling station during national parliamentary election in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath) (With inputs from agencies) Shafiqur Rahman, leader of Jamaat‑e‑Islami, cast his ballot at a Dhaka polling station, as the nation holds its parliamentary election under tight security. Jamaat-e-Islami leader Shafiqur Rahman, center, addresses to the media after casting his vote at a polling station during national parliamentary election in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath) Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer (chief) Shafiqur Rahman put on a charm offensive on Wednesday — with the party expected to make solid gains in the elections on Thursday. He hosted foreign diplomats, international observers and the media for a lunch at the plush Dhaka Sheraton. When asked how he views bilateral relations with India, he pointed to the chandeliers in the room, saying, “colourful”. When pointed out that the chandeliers’ colour was green, he said, “green stands for progress”, adding ties with India will be a “priority” as it is Bangladesh’s “neighbour”. Read the full story here. Pre-poll violence in Bangladesh has risen sharply ahead of the February 12 elections, according to human rights body Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK). Ahead of its 13th National Parliamentary elections, incidents of political violence and assaults on media professionals are continuing unchecked as per the report. Bangladesh is already in focus for its failure to curb violence against the Hindu minority. In a statement issued on Tuesday, ASK said at least 47 journalists faced violence during the first 10 days of February alone. Read the full story here. Crowds of people had arrived ahead of time. Armed police and security personnel have been deployed outside the polling station. Here are some pictures from the ground Voting started at 07:30 am across 299 constituencies, with citizens casting ballots for the 13th Jatiya Sangsad while also deciding on an 84‑point constitutional reform referendum. Nearly 127 million eligible voters are expected to turn out, and results are slated for release on Friday morning. Polling agents from different parties and people stand outside and wait for the opening of a polling center to cast their votes during parliamentary national election in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026. (AP Photo/Mahmud Hossain Opu) Several parties have thrown their hat into the ring, the real contest is between the centre-right Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami, Bangladesh's largest Muslim party, which was once barred from elections. The centre-right BNP is widely seen as a front-runner, with its long-time rival the Awami League banned last year following a student-led uprising in 2024. Party leader Tarique Rahman, the son of the late former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, has pledged to crack down on corruption, boost employment and improve infrastructure. The Jamaat-e-Islami party, a former BNP ally, has now formed an alliance which includes the youth-focused National Citizen Party, and is a strong contender with its growing influence among young people. But its resurgence has sparked debate over whether the South Asian nation should be led by an Islamist party. As Bangladesh goes to polls Thursday under a heavy security blanket, BNP has emerged as the frontrunner to lead the country under Tarique Rahman, the son of party founder and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. The Jamaat-e-Islami, which was banned and marginalised by the ousted PM Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League regime, is BNP’s main challenger. Read the full story here. At least 21 people were detained or jailed for possessing cash, intruding into polling centres, and other irregularities in various districts last night. Among those held and later released were Thakurgaon district Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Belal Uddin Prodhan and Badrul Alam Shyamal, a close aide and cousin of BNP candidate Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Anee. -The Daily Star l At the 900-year-old Dhakeshwari temple, a 36-year-old man has come with his three-year-old daughter to pay obeisance to the “Goddess of Dhaka”. As the young girl plays in the tiled courtyard, her father prays for the “safety” of his family. “My parents were teachers and well-respected here. In 2001-2006, when I was in school, there were many incidents against Hindus during the BNP-Jamaat coalition-ruled government. At that time, we had thought of moving out of Bangladesh but my parents said, ‘We love Bangladesh, we belong here, so why should we leave?’ Today, when I think of my child’s future, I feel we made a mistake by staying,” the father, who did not wish to be identified, said. Read the full story here. To cast your vote, head to your assigned polling centre with your voter serial number and ID; officials will verify your identity, mark your finger with indelible ink, and hand you two ballots—black‑and‑white for the parliamentary election and pink for the constitutional referendum. Mark your choices inside the secret booth, fold each ballot, and drop it into the ballot box; remember that mobile phones are allowed in the centre but taking photos inside the voting booth is prohibited. In a message released on the eve of the polls, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus called the upcoming vote “a defining moment for the nation’s future” and a “unique and significant chapter in Bangladesh’s political history,” emphasizing that both the election and the accompanying referendum will shape the country’s state system and democratic trajectory.- Daily Star Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami chief Shafiqur Rahman on Wednesday said that his party would work to build "strong, respectful and mutually beneficial" relations with India if voted to power. Rahman made the comments during a meeting with a group of journalists in Dhaka on the eve of the general elections. Rahman emphasised national unity, equal citizenship and constructive relations with neighbouring countries, including India. "We seek positive relationships with our neighbouring countries and with friends around the world. India is our nearest neighbour, and it will remain a priority. Our goal is not to create conflict but to build partnerships for development and peace. Mutual respect and trust are essential," he said. Bangladesh will hold its crucial parliamentary elections on Thursday, 18 months after an interim government took charge following the collapse of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's 15-year-old regime in massive nationwide protests. The Election Commission has made elaborate security arrangements, deploying nearly one million security personnel - the largest-ever in the country's electoral history. The 13th Parliamentary elections are being held simultaneously along with a referendum on a complex 84-point reform package. Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader Zeba Amina Khan on Wednesday talked about India-Bangladesh relation ahead of 13th parliamentary elections in the country and said that India is a neighbour and a friend of Dhaka and that the two countries should remain friends with each other. "We are neighbors, we are friends, and we should remain friends. We share a very large border. What is a security risk for India is also a security risk for us. So, we should look after each other. There are some minor issues along our border areas, and these should be resolved mutually and jointly so that we can live in harmony. Why would we have anything against India? We don’t. India should work with the people of Bangladesh," Zeba told PTI. > VIDEO | Dhaka, Bangladesh: On India-Bangladesh relationship, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader Zeba Amina Khan says, "We are neighbors, we are friends, and we should remain friends. We share a very large border. What is a security risk for India is also a security risk… pic.twitter.com/BT7xQzMMY6— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 11, 2026 VIDEO | Dhaka, Bangladesh: On India-Bangladesh relationship, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader Zeba Amina Khan says, "We are neighbors, we are friends, and we should remain friends. We share a very large border. What is a security risk for India is also a security risk… pic.twitter.com/BT7xQzMMY6 Ahead of Bangladesh elections tomorrow, the head of Jamaat-e-Islami party, Shafiqur Rahman talked about the condition of minorities in the country and said that there are "no second class citizens" in Bangladesh. Interacting with media on Wednesday, Rahman said, "Regardless of their religion, they are all Bangladeshi citizens. There are no second-class citizens in my country. India is our nearest neighbor, and it will remain a priority. I do not consider anyone a minority. We are all Bangladeshis, and everyone is a first-class citizen. We do not endorse divisions based on minority or majority." > VIDEO | Dhaka: On the condition of minorities in Bangladesh, Shafiqur Rahman, head of the Islamist Jamaat-e-Islami party, said, “Regardless of their religion, they are all Bangladeshi citizens. There are no second-class citizens in my country. India is our nearest neighbor, and… pic.twitter.com/tgLWscrALQ— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 11, 2026 VIDEO | Dhaka: On the condition of minorities in Bangladesh, Shafiqur Rahman, head of the Islamist Jamaat-e-Islami party, said, “Regardless of their religion, they are all Bangladeshi citizens. There are no second-class citizens in my country. India is our nearest neighbor, and… pic.twitter.com/tgLWscrALQ According to Bangladesh election commission, the security has been tightened across the the country in the wake of parliamentary elections and nearly 958,000 members of law enforcement agencies, supported by the army, have been deployed to ensure a peaceful election. In Dhaka, checkpoints and and patrols have been intensified, and CCTV cameras have been installed at most of the polling centres to have round-the-clock monitoring. Preparations are underway across Bangladesh for the 13th parliamentary elections scheduled for Thursday. (Photo: Shubhajit Roy) The Election Commission of Bangladesh distributed ballot boxes and other election materials on Wednesday to the polling centres across the country ahead of the 13th parliamentary election scheduled in the country for tomorrow. Polling across Bangladesh is set to take place across 42,779 centres in 299 constituencies. the election commission has said that 12.77 crore voters are eligible to vote, including 6.48 crore men and 6.28 crore women. Bangladesh is all set to vote in its 13th parliamentary elections tomorrow at 7:30am (local time) across 299 parliamentary constituencies. The voting is scheduled to continue till 4:30pm. According to Bangladesh's election commission, voting has been cancelled at one of the constituencies after the death of a candidate, PTI reported.