Bangladesh Elections : BNP Nears Majority, Tarique Rahman Wins Both Seats, Sheikh Hasina Calls Polls Fraudulent

Dhaka:

After a 15-year gap marked by intense political upheaval, early results from Bangladesh’s historic general elections have begun to emerge. The main opposition party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), has taken a strong lead, winning 110 seats so far. The Jamaat-e-Islami-led alliance has secured 38 seats.

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BNP on the Brink of Power

In Bangladesh’s 300-member Jatiya Sangsad (National Parliament), 151 seats are required for a majority. Based on current trends, the BNP under the leadership of Tarique Rahman appears to be moving steadily toward that mark.

Tarique Rahman himself has won both constituencies he contested, strengthening his position as the frontrunner for the post of Prime Minister.

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Muhammad Yunus vs Sheikh Hasina: War of Words

The elections have triggered sharp political exchanges between two prominent figures:

Muhammad Yunus (Head of Interim Government):
After casting his vote, Yunus expressed optimism, saying, “Today marks the birth of a new Bangladesh.” He described the election as a symbol of democratic restoration.

Sheikh Hasina (Former Prime Minister):
Living in exile in India, Awami League leader Sheikh Hasina dismissed the elections as completely “fraudulent.” Alleging large-scale irregularities, she demanded the cancellation of the polls and called for Muhammad Yunus’s resignation.

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Voter Turnout and Reports of Violence

• Voter Turnout: By 2 PM, approximately 47.91% voting had been recorded. A significant number of women and first-time Gen-Z voters participated in the process.

• Clashes and Violence: Isolated incidents of violence were reported. In Khulna, clashes between BNP and Jamaat workers led to the death of local leader Mohibuzzaman Kochi. In Gopalganj, homemade bomb explosions injured three people.

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India’s Position

India has maintained a cautious stance. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that New Delhi is closely monitoring developments. He clarified that India will issue an official response only after the final results are declared and the people’s mandate becomes clear.

The coming days are expected to define Bangladesh’s political trajectory, with the BNP edging closer to forming the next government amid ongoing controversy.

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