The unofficial and initial results of the historic general elections held in Bangladesh on February 12, 2026, have changed the political landscape of the country.
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has registered a big victory by winning a clear majority, after which the 18-month-old caretaker government is about to end.
According to unofficial sources from the Election Commission among Total seats: 300 (directly elected) BNP: Leading by over 185 seats, Jamar-e-Islami Ittehad with 65 seats, Independents and others secured round 25 seats.
BNP Chairman Tariq Rahman has won a landslide victory from his home constituency of Bogra-6 by securing over 216,000 votes. He has also defeated his rival from the capital’s key constituency of Dhaka-17 by a large margin.
He has already been nominated by the party as the country’s next prime minister.
Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s party, Awami League, could not participate in these elections due to court ban and suspension of registration.
Polling was peaceful across the country and a large number of voters, especially the youth (Gen Z), participated actively. Initial estimates put the turnout at around 60%.
A constitutional referendum was also held alongside the elections in which the people voted in favour of the new democratic structure.
International observers have described these elections as the first “real contest” in Bangladesh in 17 years. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs is also monitoring the situation, but has not sent its own observers this time.
Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus will resign soon, after which a session of the newly elected parliament will be convened and Tariq Rehman will formally take the oath of office as Prime Minister.
