DAKHA: Preliminary Results Show BNP Leading in Historic Bangladesh Election.
Vote counting is underway in Bangladesh following the conclusion of the 13th National Parliament Election, with unofficial results indicating a clear lead for the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). The election, held Thursday, marks the first general vote since the 2024 student-led uprising that ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina .
According to preliminary and unofficial figures reported by Bangladeshi media, the BNP has secured an early lead with approximately 61 seats. The Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has emerged as the second-largest party with 21 seats, signalling a significant political comeback . The newly formed National Citizens Party (NCP), which contested in alliance with Jamaat, has so far secured one seat, according to initial reports .
Voting began at 7:30 am across 299 constituencies and concluded peacefully at 4:30 pm. Election Commission officials reported approximately 48 percent voter turnout, with long queues observed at polling stations in Dhaka and elsewhere . Nearly one million security personnel were deployed nationwide to ensure a peaceful electoral process .
Voters cast two ballots—one white for parliamentary candidates and one pink for a national referendum on the proposed ‘July Charter’ constitutional reforms . The reforms include provisions for a bicameral legislature and prime ministerial term limits .
Interim leader Muhammad Yunus, who voted in Dhaka, described the day as “a day of liberation” and “the end of our nightmare, the beginning of new dreams” . He is expected to step down once the new government assumes office.
The Awami League was barred from contesting following a ban on its political activities in 2025 . Final official results are expected by Friday morning .
