Bangladesh has entered a new political chapter after the results of its 13th parliamentary elections reshaped the country’s leadership. While the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) secured a sweeping mandate, the Bangladesh Jatiya Party (BJP) also made headlines by winning a single seat — a party that shares its acronym with India’s BJP but has no connection to it.
The election marked a major turning point for the country following months of political instability after the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year government in August 2024.
Bangladesh 13th Parliamentary Election Results Explained
The 13th general election took place across 299 of the 300 constituencies. Authorities withheld results from two seats. The Election Commission later published a gazette confirming 297 newly elected Members of Parliament.
The notification, signed by Akhtar Ahmed, Secretary of the Election Commission Secretariat, cleared the way for the swearing-in ceremony of the new lawmakers.
Voter turnout reached 59.44 percent, reflecting significant public participation despite recent political tensions.
The biggest winner of the election was the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by Tarique Rahman. The party won 209 out of 297 declared seats, giving it a comfortable majority in the 300-member Parliament.
Who Won the Bangladesh’s BJP Seat?
The Bangladesh Jatiya Party (BJP) secured one parliamentary seat in this election. Andaleeve Rahman Partho won from the Bhola-1 constituency, according to local reports.
Although the party holds only a single seat, its presence has drawn attention because of its similar acronym to India’s BJP. However, the Bangladesh Jatiya Party operates independently within Bangladesh’s political framework.
Why Was the Awami League Not in the Election?
The Awami League, previously led by Sheikh Hasina, did not contest the elections. Authorities barred the party from participating following political unrest that followed the student-led protests in 2024.
Those protests led to widespread instability and security concerns, including reported attacks on minority communities. The election therefore carried high importance as it aimed to restore democratic stability in the country.
BNP’s Return to Power After Two Decades
The BNP’s victory marks its return to power after nearly 20 years. Tarique Rahman, son of former President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, is now set to take oath as the next Prime Minister of Bangladesh.
The party’s decisive win signals a strong public mandate amid calls for political reform and economic stability.
Meanwhile, Jamaat-e-Islami emerged as the second-largest party, winning 68 seats.
Bangladesh Referendum Results on Reform Package
Alongside the parliamentary elections, Bangladesh also held a referendum on an 84-point reform package known as the July National Charter.
The referendum recorded a 60.26 percent voter turnout. According to official data shared by EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed, 4,80,74,429 votes were cast in favour of “yes”, while 2,25,65,627 voters chose “no”.
The strong majority in favour of reforms suggests public support for structural and governance changes in the country.
With Parliament set to convene soon, attention now turns to the swearing-in ceremony and the formation of the new government. Bangladesh enters a new political phase as the BNP prepares to lead, smaller parties like the Bangladesh Jatiya Party mark their presence, and reform efforts move forward.
