DHAKA – The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has secured a landslide victory in Thursday’s parliamentary election, according to the country’s Election Commission, paving the way for BNP leader Tarique Rahman to become the next prime minister. The win marks a significant shift in Bangladeshi politics, following the period of political uncertainty that began with the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in 2024.
Rahman, who has been in political exile for 17 years, is poised to return to Bangladesh and assume the premiership, a prospect detailed by reports from Al Jazeera and Reuters. His victory represents a remarkable turnaround for the BNP, which has long been a major force in Bangladeshi politics but has faced periods of suppression and political marginalization. The scale of the BNP’s win suggests a widespread desire for change among the Bangladeshi electorate.
The election outcome follows a period of heightened political tension and a youth-driven uprising, as reported by Google News. This uprising appears to have been a key factor in the shift in political power, creating an environment conducive to the BNP’s success. The BBC reports that the election result raises the question of whether the new leadership can deliver on promises of change.
Rahman’s path to power has been long and arduous. Having lived in exile for over a decade, his return to Bangladesh and ascension to the prime ministership signifies a dramatic change in the country’s political landscape. The National News reports that Rahman’s victory is a landslide, indicating a strong mandate for his leadership.
The implications of this election extend beyond domestic politics. Bangladesh is a strategically important nation in South Asia, and its political stability is of interest to regional and international powers. The transition of power from Sheikh Hasina to Tarique Rahman will likely be closely watched by neighboring countries and major global actors.
As of Friday, February 14, 2026, no official statement has been released by the outgoing administration regarding the transfer of power. The Election Commission has not yet announced a timeline for the swearing-in ceremony of the new prime minister.
