Bangladesh’s BNP Wins Big in First Election Since Gen Z Uprising

Bangladesh’s main opposition party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), has secured a sweeping victory in the country’s first parliamentary election since the 2024 Gen Z-led uprising that toppled former prime minister Sheikh Hasina.

Local television channels reported that the BNP-led coalition won 209 out of 300 seats in the national parliament, formally known as the Jatiya Sangsad. The result gives the party an overwhelming two-thirds majority, allowing it not only to form the next government but also potentially to influence constitutional changes.

The election marks a pivotal turning point for the South Asian nation of 175 million people, which has faced months of political turbulence, deadly protests and economic disruption following Hasina’s removal from power.

Why this election mattered

This was the first national vote after a youth-driven uprising in 2024, widely described as a “Gen Z revolution,” which forced Hasina to step down after more than 15 years in office.

The unrest had disrupted daily life and hit key sectors of the economy, particularly the garment industry. Bangladesh is the world’s second-largest apparel exporter, and prolonged instability had raised concerns among foreign investors and trade partners.

A clear and decisive election outcome was widely viewed as essential to restoring political stability and rebuilding investor confidence.

Turnout was reportedly strong. Local media estimates suggested that more than 60 percent of registered voters cast ballots, significantly higher than the 42 percent recorded in the previous election.

Who is leading the BNP?

The BNP is led by Tarique Rahman, a 60-year-old politician and the son of former prime minister Khaleda Zia and former president Ziaur Rahman.

Rahman is now widely expected to become Bangladesh’s next prime minister.

The BNP campaigned on several key promises:

• Financial assistance for low-income families
• A 10-year cap for an individual to remain prime minister
• Policies to attract foreign investment
• Anti-corruption measures
• Economic reforms aimed at stabilising growth

Despite the landslide victory, the party called for restraint. In a public statement, it urged supporters not to organise celebratory rallies or processions, instead asking citizens to offer prayers across mosques, temples, churches and pagodas for the country’s welfare.

What happened to the opposition?

The Islamist Jamaat-e-Islami, BNP’s main rival, conceded defeat. Its alliance secured just 68 seats.

Shafiqur Rahman, head of Jamaat-e-Islami, said the party would engage in “positive politics” rather than oppositional tactics for their own sake.

Meanwhile, the youth-led National Citizen Party (NCP), formed by activists who played a key role in the 2024 uprising, won only five of the 30 seats it contested. The result suggests that while youth activism reshaped the political narrative, traditional political parties remain dominant in electoral politics.

Notably, Hasina’s Awami League was barred from contesting the election.

Constitutional reforms on the ballot

Alongside the parliamentary vote, citizens also participated in a referendum on constitutional reforms. Proposed changes include:

• Establishing a neutral interim government during election periods
• Introducing a two-term limit for the prime minister
• Restructuring parliament into a bicameral legislature
• Increasing women’s representation
• Strengthening judicial independence

While official results were pending, local reports suggested that a significant majority voted in favour of the reforms. If confirmed, these changes could reshape Bangladesh’s governance structure and prevent prolonged concentration of power in the future.

Sheikh Hasina’s response from exile

Hasina, currently in self-imposed exile in India, rejected the election results.

In a statement issued after polls closed, she described the vote as a “carefully planned farce,” arguing that it lacked inclusivity and genuine voter participation because her party was excluded. She called for the election to be cancelled and demanded fresh polls under a neutral caretaker government.

Critics of Hasina have long alleged that elections during her tenure were marred by boycotts, intimidation and limited opposition participation.

Regional and geopolitical implications

Bangladesh’s political shift has broader regional implications. Hasina’s close ties with India had shaped Dhaka–New Delhi relations for years. Her exit has introduced uncertainty into that relationship and potentially opened space for China to expand its influence in the country.

Observers are watching closely to see how the new government balances relations with India, China and other regional powers.

The election also comes amid a broader pattern of youth-driven political movements in South Asia. Nepal is set to hold elections next month, and regional analysts say Bangladesh’s experience may influence political expectations elsewhere.

What comes next?

With a commanding parliamentary majority, the BNP now faces the challenge of delivering on its promises.

Restoring economic stability, addressing youth demands that fuelled the uprising, strengthening democratic institutions and maintaining law and order will be immediate priorities.

The scale of the victory gives the party strong legislative power. However, it also raises expectations. After a turbulent transition period, voters appear to have delivered a clear mandate for change.