BNP wins Bangladesh elections, Khaleeda Zia's son Tarique Rahman set to become the PM

Parliamentary election in Bangladesh was held on 12 February 2026 after 2024's elections were won by the Former PM and leader of Awami League. In a fierce battle predominantly between Jamaat-e-Islami and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), the latter managed to clinch victory with 181 seats, which may impact Bangladeshi minorities and India.

Tarique Rahman to take oath on Saturday

• On 12 February 2026, Bangladesh parliamentary elections were held after students led-protest that toppled the Sheikh Hasina-led government and stripped her of her position as the Prime Minister of the country, even forcing the senior leaders of her political party, Awami League, to hide or leave the country.

On expected lines, centre-right BNP heads to win #BangladeshElection and Islamist Jamaat is set to become the opposition. After decades of the 'Battle of Begums', Bangladesh will have a male PM in Tarique Rahman. Important to note that voters, which included women and Gen Z, have… pic.twitter.com/l2KlC4tCCq

— Shreya Upadhyaya (@ShreyaOpines) February 13, 2026

• Mohd. Yunus was appointed as the leader of the interim government, but has not completed a full prime ministerial term. He spent 18 months in the office, even after having a leader, the country failed to return to its previous state in the peaceful reign of Sheikh Hasina, but became more corrupt, lawless and radical in the truest form.

• This election takes place when Bangladesh is going through a crisis, a period of political instability. This election will mark a crucial moment in history. BNP secured 2/3rd majority, which is 181 seats, Jamaat-e-Islami won 61 seats, and others secured 7. With a landslide victory of BNP, it is clear that Bangladeshi youths who turned up to vote have aspirations and know what they want as a nation.
• BNP leader Tarique Rahman will take oath as the new PM on Saturday. He took up the responsibility as the head of the party shortly after his mother and Former Prime Minister passed away on January 9. BNP Media Cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan said, "This is a victory for democracy; it is a victory for Bangladesh. For a long time, the BNP has been part of a democratic movement, led by our Chairman, Tarique Rahman. This leadership has brought us this success. To make this democratic triumph more effective, our Chairman has already issued a directive: we must not engage in excessive celebrations or festivities. There are several reasons for this, the most significant being the immense sacrifices made during our struggle. Hundreds and thousands of our activists have been martyred, many have disappeared, and millions have faced hardships. We also remember those who were martyred during the mass uprising in July and August 2024."
• Tarique was in the prison for 18 months and 17 years in exile. He faced multiple criminal and corruption cases during the period when the military-backed caretaker government was in power in Bangladesh while his mother was the Prime Minister.

Long overshadowed by his parents in one of Bangladesh’s most powerful political dynasties, 60-year-old BNP leader Tarique Rahman is now stepping into the spotlight as he prepares to lead the nation of 170M, vowing to “do better”

🔗 https://t.co/KvC1qHTvcC pic.twitter.com/KTcVM6oHm1

— TRT World (@trtworld) February 13, 2026

• PM Modi conveyed his wished through social media and said, "I convey my warm congratulations to Mr. Tarique Rahman on leading BNP to a decisive victory in the Parliamentary elections in Bangladesh. This victory shows the trust of the people of Bangladesh in your leadership. India will continue to stand in support of a democratic, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh. I look forward to working with you to strengthen our multifaceted relations and advance our common development goals."