BNP Says It Won Bangladesh Election, Other Party Not Happy

Bangladesh has held a general election. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) says it has won the most seats and will form the new government. Tarique Rahman is expected to be the new Prime Minister. India's leader has sent congratulations. However, another party, Jamaat-e-Islami, has said it is not happy with the results.
By Newsroom | Politics, Bangladesh |

Recent reports indicate a significant shift in Bangladesh's political landscape following the general election. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by Tarique Rahman, has declared victory, asserting it has secured a majority of seats and is preparing to form the next government. This declaration comes after the election, the first since a 2024 student-led uprising that led to the ousting of Sheikh Hasina. The outcome has drawn international attention, with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulating Tarique Rahman on the reported win.

Bangladesh Election Result 2026 LIVE: BNP Calls For Prayers, PM Modi Congratulates Tarique Rahman - NDTV - 1

However, the election's conclusion is not universally accepted. The Jamaat-e-Islami, a significant contender and former ally of the BNP, has expressed dissatisfaction with the results. Details regarding the extent of their discontent and the specific issues raised remain to be fully elucidated.

Bangladesh Election Result 2026 LIVE: BNP Calls For Prayers, PM Modi Congratulates Tarique Rahman - NDTV - 2

Election Landscape and Key Players

The 2026 Bangladesh general election featured a direct contest between the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its former ally, Jamaat-e-Islami.

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Bangladesh Election Result 2026 LIVE: BNP Calls For Prayers, PM Modi Congratulates Tarique Rahman - NDTV - 3

  • The BNP, with Tarique Rahman as its leading figure, claimed to have won a majority of seats, with some reports suggesting they are set to secure around 212 out of 299 constituencies.

  • Jamaat-e-Islami, led by Shafiqur Rahman, was projected to win a lesser number of seats, with initial estimates ranging from 30 to 70. However, their leadership has indicated they are "not satisfied with the results."

  • Notably, Sheikh Hasina's Awami League was not a participant in this election, having been banned from contesting.

  • The election was held following a period of significant political activity, including a 2024 student-led uprising.

  • Tarique Rahman, son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, is positioned to become the next Prime Minister if the BNP's claims are fully confirmed.

Voter Turnout and Seat Projections

While official results are still being formally announced, preliminary data and media projections paint a clear picture of the election's direction.

Read More: BNP Wins Big in Bangladesh Election

Bangladesh Election Result 2026 LIVE: BNP Calls For Prayers, PM Modi Congratulates Tarique Rahman - NDTV - 4

  • Media outlets, citing provisional results, have indicated that the BNP and its allies secured 211 of 299 constituency seats.

  • The Jamaat-e-Islami alliance reportedly won 70 seats according to one broadcast.

  • Another report suggested Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh would become the main opposition, capturing 43 seats.

  • The BNP contested a large number of seats, fielding 291 candidates. In total, 1,755 candidates from 50 political parties and 273 independents participated.

  • Early vote share data showed a close race at one point, with the BNP at 46.7% and Jamaat at 48.5%.

Opposition Response and International Reactions

The immediate aftermath of the election has been marked by contrasting responses from the participating parties and significant international engagement.

  • The BNP, having declared victory, has directed its members to offer special prayers across the country.

  • Jamaat-e-Islami chief Shafiqur Rahman has reportedly conceded defeat, though his party has stated they are "not satisfied with the results." This indicates a potential for post-election contention.

  • Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has congratulated Tarique Rahman on the BNP's reported "decisive victory," highlighting the international community's acknowledgement of the preliminary outcomes.

Election Context and Preceding Events

The 2026 general election in Bangladesh occurred under a unique set of circumstances, distinct from previous electoral cycles.

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  • This election is the first following a significant student-led uprising in 2024 which resulted in the removal of Sheikh Hasina.

  • The BNP had boycotted the previous election held in January 2024.

  • The political climate leading up to this election involved a close contest anticipated between the BNP, potentially led by Tarique Rahman, and Jamaat-e-Islami, with its leader Shafiqur Rahman mounting a notable campaign.

Future Government Formation and Leadership

With the BNP claiming a majority, attention is now turning to the formation of the next government and the potential leadership under Tarique Rahman.

  • If the BNP secures the claimed majority, Tarique Rahman is widely expected to assume the role of Prime Minister.

  • The participation of Jamaat-e-Islami in the political discourse, particularly their dissatisfaction, will be a key element to monitor as the formal results are processed.

Conclusion

The 2026 Bangladesh general election appears to have concluded with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) claiming a decisive victory and the potential formation of a new government under Tarique Rahman. This outcome follows a period of significant political upheaval, including a 2024 uprising that removed Sheikh Hasina from power. The BNP's declaration of victory has been met with congratulations from international leaders, notably Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. However, a crucial counterpoint is the Jamaat-e-Islami's stated dissatisfaction with the results, suggesting that the full political ramifications are yet to unfold. The formal announcement of official results by the election commission will be critical in solidifying these outcomes and addressing any outstanding concerns regarding the electoral process.

Read More: BNP Wins Big in Bangladesh Election

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who won the Bangladesh election?
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) says it won the most seats. They expect to form the next government.
Q: Who will be the next leader?
Tarique Rahman, the leader of the BNP, is expected to become the next Prime Minister.
Q: Is everyone happy with the results?
The BNP is happy, but another party called Jamaat-e-Islami has said they are not satisfied with the election results.
Q: What happened before this election?
This election happened after a big student protest in 2024 that removed the previous leader, Sheikh Hasina.