Bangladesh Election 2026: Muhammad Yunus resigns as interim leader, paving the way for Tarique Rahman’s oath after BNP’s sweeping election win.
Muhammad Yunus delivers a farewell address ahead of Bangladesh’s new government taking office (Photo: X)
Bangladesh Election 2026: Bangladesh is on the brink of a new political era as Muhammad Yunus resigns just before Tarique Rahman is to take his oath of office and this comes at a time when a general election has just been held with the BNP emerging victorious with 209 of the 297 parliamentary seats. The nation has a population of over 170 million people.
In a televised address, Muhammad Yunus stated that the interim government that had formed itself after Sheikh Hasina stepped aside would itself step back. According to him, marked a return to the elected government, which citizens must preserve, including freedom of expression and other civil liberties.
Muhammad Yunus had returned to Bangladesh in August 2024 in the midst of a maelstrom of political activity with a mission to stabilize the country's institutions and prepare it for elections and his departure marks the end of this interim period. Bangladesh with a population of over 170 million, has seen a large degree of political volatility in recent years.
His swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for Tuesday at the Parliament Complex in the capital city of Dhaka, at the South Plaza. The BNP, Tarique's political party, won 209 out of 297 seats in the general elections, thus securing a majority. Jamaat-e-Islami, the only other successful party, won 68 seats, becoming the second-largest party. The Awami League, headed by former premier Sheikh Hasina, did not contest the elections with this resounding victory, Tarique will be able to form a new cabinet and outline his agenda with a strong majority.
Tarique Rahman, the president of the BNP, is the son of the former president Ziaur Rahman and the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh Khaleda Zia. After living in exile in London for 17 years, he has come back to Bangladesh just less than two months before the elections. The return of the politician has not taken time to make its impact felt and the question on everyone’s mind is how he will handle the economic situation and foreign relations. The country’s economy, valued at over $460 billion, faces challenges like inflation and export problems.
While minorities account for roughly 9 to 10% of Bangladesh’s population, their parliamentary presence remains limited and making these victories symbolically important.
1. Why did Muhammad Yunus resign?
He stepped down as the interim leader to transfer authority to the newly elected government.
2. When will Tarique Rahman take office?
He is scheduled to be sworn in on Tuesday following the BNP’s election victory.
3. How many seats did the BNP win?
The party secured 209 out of 297 seats in the latest general election.
4. What role did the interim government play?
It managed state affairs and organized elections after political transition.
5. How diverse is the new parliament?
Four minority lawmakers were elected, highlighting modest but notable representation.
