The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is set to secure a majority following voting in 299 of the country’s 300 constituencies, according to reports from Bangladeshi media outlets.
Preliminary results indicate that BNP and its allied candidates have won at least 150 seats. Vote counting is ongoing in several constituencies, where BNP candidates are also leading. Media reports suggest the party is advancing toward a possible two-thirds majority based on current trends.
BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman and Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir have both won in their respective constituencies. Tarique Rahman was elected from Dhaka-17 and Bogura-6.
He is the eldest son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, who died last month. Rahman returned to Bangladesh recently after residing in the United Kingdom since 2008, when he traveled there for medical treatment. He returned following the formation of an interim government and the announcement of elections.
Mahdi Amin, spokesperson for the BNP Central Election Operations Committee, said the party is optimistic about forming a two-thirds government based on the results received so far and ongoing counting.
Opposition Position and Emerging Parties
Preliminary reports indicate that Jamaat-e-Islami has secured 43 seats, positioning it as the main opposition party, while other media estimates suggest the party and its allies could win up to 60 seats.
The National Citizens Party (NCP), which emerged from recent student-led movements, has claimed six seats. NCP coordinator Nahid Islam is leading in the Dhaka-11 constituency. The Election Commission has not yet released final official results. Counting remains underway, and certified results are expected upon completion of the process.
Referendum on July National Charter
Alongside the parliamentary election, a nationwide referendum was conducted on the July National Charter. The charter includes proposals related to constitutional amendments, strengthening the balance of power among the executive, legislature, and judiciary, reforming the electoral system, ensuring human rights and accountability, and enhancing anti-corruption measures and institutional transparency.
Preliminary figures show that 65.3 percent of voters supported constitutional amendments in the referendum. Voting was held from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at more than 42,000 polling centers across the country. Authorities reported that the election process was conducted peacefully and in an orderly manner.
