Bangladesh election results updates: 'Grateful for love': Tarique Rehman thanks supporters after BNP's sweeping victory

Despite the Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s long and often strained history with India, its sweeping return to power in Bangladesh is being viewed in New Delhi as the least risky outcome amid post-uprising uncertainty, according to former Indian foreign secretary Kanwal Sibal. Read more

Bangladesh’s referendum on the 84-point July National Charter saw 60.26 per cent turnout, with 4,80,74,429 “yes” and 2,25,65,627 “no” votes, alongside 13th parliamentary polls in 299 of 300 seats, with results in 297. BNP won 209 of 297 seats, Jamaat-e-Islami 68, Awami League was barred, turnout was 59.44 per cent, and 47 of 84 proposals need constitutional amendments, 37 legislation. The Charter mandates 30 reforms, a 100-member Upper House, and action within 180 working days. -- PTI

China on Friday congratulated Bangladesh on a smooth and successful election and extended best wishes to the BNP on its victory in the 13th National Parliamentary Elections.  Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian made the remarks, as shared in a post by the official MFA Spokesperson account on X. "Congratulations to #Bangladesh on a smooth and successful election, and to the Bangladesh Nationalist Party #BNP on winning the election," the official statement from the Chinese MFA Spokesperson read. -- ANI

In his first reaction after the BNP's sweeping victory, party chairman Tarique Rahman thanked supporters gathered outside his Gulshan residence. “I am grateful for the love you have shown me. Please pray for me,” he said briefly while interacting with well-wishers. Rahman made the remarks before leaving to offer Friday prayers, The Dhaka Tribune reported.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has said it will formally move to bring back former prime minister Sheikh Hasina from India following its emphatic victory in the latest parliamentary elections. Read more

Seven women candidates, majority of them from the BNP, have been elected to Bangladesh parliament in the 13th national election, a media report said Friday. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), which is set to form the government with an absolute majority, has seen six of its female nominees win their respective seats, The Dhaka Tribune said quoting unofficial results.

The BNP women candidates are Afroza Khan Rita from Manikganj-3, Israt Sultana Elen Bhutto from Jhalokati-2, Tahsina Rushdir Luna from Sylhet-2, Shama Obaid from Faridpur-2, Nayab Yusuf Kamal from Faridpur-3, and Farzana Sharmin Putul from Natore-1, it said. The results are based on unofficial tallies announced after the conclusion of voting and counting across the country, the newspaper said. The BNP had fielded only 10 female candidates among 300 constituencies in the polls. -- PTI

"Delighted to speak with Mr. Tarique Rahman. I congratulated him on the remarkable victory in the Bangladesh elections.

I conveyed my best wishes and support in his endeavour to fulfil the aspirations of the people of Bangladesh.

As two close neighbours with deep-rooted historical and cultural ties, I reaffirmed India’s continued commitment to the peace, progress, and prosperity of both our peoples," PM Modi wrote on X.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday congratulated BNP leader Tarique Rahman on leading the party to a victory in Bangladesh’s parliamentary elections.

In a post on X, the West Bengal Chief Minister said, “My hearty congratulations, shubhonandan, to all my brothers and sisters, all the people, in Bangladesh. My advance Ramazan mubarak to all of them. For this great victory, my congratulations to my Tarique-Bhai, his party, and all the parties. Pray, you all be well and happy.” Ms. Banerjee expressed hope that ties between India and Bangladesh remain cordial. “Wish that our relations with Bangladesh be always cordial,” she said on the social media platform.

The BNP on Friday thanked India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for recognising the verdict of Bangladesh’s general elections and hoped that the relations between the two countries will be strengthened under the new government.

Speaking to PTI videos, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s (BNP) standing committee member and chief coordinator for the 2026 election Nazrul Islam Khan said the party appreciated Modi’s recognition of the people’s verdict.

“We thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi for congratulating our leader, Tarique Rahman. It is great that a democratic country is supposed to recognise the verdict of the people, and Mr Narendra Modi has done this. We thank him,” he said.

The Elections Commission has just announced that close to 60% of voters turned up for yesterday’s exercise.

Less than two months after returning from nearly two decades of self-imposed exile in London, Tarique Rahman is set to win one of Bangladesh's most pivotal elections and become prime minister, leading ⁠the country as his parents once did.

Thursday's election marked a remarkable reversal of fortune for the soft-spoken ‌60-year-old, who left the country in 2008 saying he ​needed medical treatment after his release from detention under a military-backed caretaker administration.   He had been held after a crackdown on corruption. He returned home to a hero's welcome last Christmas after a youth-driven uprising uprooted the BNP's arch-enemy, long-time premier Sheikh Hasina of the Awami League, in August 2024.

Jon Danilowicz, a former US diplomat in Bangladesh, has hailed Thursday’s election as a “success” and an “important milestone for Bangladesh”. He told Al Jazeera that the next government now “has a mandate to pursue reforms and implement its ambitious agenda to transform the country and its politics”. Danilowicz called on Bangladesh’s international partners to welcome the stability provided by the election and said he anticipates a smooth transition from the interim government and a constructive relationship between the new government and opposition.

The United States led the pack as the international community moved swiftly to recognise a new political reality in Bangladesh on Friday. Its congratulatory note for Tarique Rahman, however, marked a whiplash-inducing reversal from the way Washington once defined the man poised to be Bangladesh’s next prime minister.

Bangladesh’s largest Islamist party said on Friday that it had “serious questions about the integrity of the results process”, a day after elections in which their rivals claimed a resounding victory. “We are not satisfied with the process surrounding the election results,” Jamaat-e-Islami said in a statement. Official results are yet to be released, and the party urged “everyone to remain patient”.

Krishna Nandi, the lone Hindu candidate fielded by Jamaat-e-Islami (JMI), has lost in the Khulna-1 (Botiaghata and Dacope) constituency. Ameer Ejaz Khan from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party has secured the seat with a total of 121,352 votes.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday congratulated BNP leader Tarique Rahman, for the party’s victory in the polls held on Thursday.  In a post on X, PM Modi said, this victory is a testament to trust of the people of Bangladesh in Mr. Rahman’s leadership. “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,” the post said.

PM Modi said 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, the post said.

The United States on Friday congratulated the Bangladesh Nationalist Party led by Tarique Rahman on its “historic victory” in elections, its embassy in Dhaka said. “Congratulations to the people of Bangladesh on a successful election and to the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and Tarique Rahman on your historic victory,” the statement read.

BNP’s Election Steering Committee will hold a press conference at 11.30 BST (11 a.m. IST). They will discuss election-related developments.  The formal declaration will be made after senior leaders return from their constituencies at 3 p.m. EC is expected make the formal announcement after the remaining 11 seats are declared.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) led by Tarique Rahman claimed election victory on Friday, a top party official told AFP, after the first polls since a deadly 2024 uprising.  “This victory was expected. It is not surprising that the people of Bangladesh have placed their trust in a party... capable of realising the dreams that our youth envisioned during the uprising,” said Salahuddin Ahmed, a leading BNP committee member.

Sheikh Hasina criticizes Bangladesh's elections as a "farce," demanding free and fair polls under a neutral caretaker government.

Bangladesh’s opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) said it has won a majority in the parliamentary election and will form the next government.

In social media posts celebrating the result, the party said it was preparing to take charge. “The Bangladesh Nationalist Party is set to form the government after winning the majority of seats,” the BNP Media Cell said.

Bangladesh’s interim leader Muhammad Yunus, who has been heading the country since Sheikh Hasina was ousted in August 2024, struck a hopeful note after casting his vote on Thursday.

Speaking after voting, Yunus said Bangladesh had “ended the nightmare and begun a new dream,” framing the election as a turning point after months of political upheaval.

BNP chairman Tarique Rahman is on track to win from Dhaka-17 and Bogra-6, according to preliminary projections from Bangladesh’s 13th national parliamentary election.

Early nationwide trends suggest the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is leading comfortably, while Jamaat-e-Islami is shaping up to be the principal opposition force in the next parliament, the Dhaka Tribune reported.

Rahman’s expected wins in both constituencies were confirmed by Shairul Kabir Khan, a member of the BNP’s media cell.

The vote, described as largely peaceful, was Bangladesh’s first general election and national referendum since the July 2024 revolution. Polling began at 7:30 am local time and ran for nine hours without interruption.

Voters cast two separate ballots: one for parliamentary seats and another for the referendum, using transparent ballot boxes at 42,659 polling stations nationwide.

Elections were held in 299 of 300 constituencies. Voting in Sherpur-3 was postponed after the death of a candidate.

BNP chief Tarique Rahman has asked party leaders and workers across all organisational levels to offer special prayers nationwide after today’s Juma prayers. He has also directed supporters not to hold any victory rallies, marches, or public gatherings anywhere in Bangladesh.

Supporters of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) took to the streets across Bangladesh on Friday to celebrate the party’s decisive win in the parliamentary elections. Television footage captured crowds surrounding BNP leader Tarique Rahman’s vehicle, cheering and waving as he departed his office following confirmation of the results. Early counts showed the BNP had secured 185 seats in the 300-member Jatiya Sangsad, comfortably surpassing the majority needed to form a government. Jamaat-e-Islami chief Shafiqur Rahman, leader of the BNP’s main rival, conceded defeat after his party won just 56 seats.

BNP candidate Dipen Dewan has been unofficially declared the winner of the Rangamati constituency after securing a commanding lead in the vote count. Officials reported that Dewan received 2,01,544 votes, while his nearest rival, independent candidate Pahel Chakma, garnered 31,222 votes. The preliminary results were announced by Deputy Commissioner Najma Ashrafi at the primary results collection and presentation centre in the conference room of the Deputy Commissioner’s office.

A wave of violence linked to voting across Bangladesh left more than 70 people injured, local media reported. According to Bangladeshi daily The Daily Star, at least 72 individuals were hurt in 14 separate clashes and disturbances during polling, with several incidents occurring near or inside polling centres. The report added that law enforcement authorities arrested at least nine people in connection with the unrest.

Late Thursday night, tensions escalated in the Dhaka-8 constituency as supporters of competing candidates congregated outside the Dhaka Divisional Commissioner’s office, which doubles as the returning officer’s office, Prothom Alo reported.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has secured a parliamentary majority in Bangladesh’s 13th national election, with early vote counts showing the party winning 151 constituencies. Preliminary results also suggest that Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh will become the main opposition, capturing 43 seats. Election officials noted that counting is ongoing across the country, but current trends indicate a clear and decisive outcome.

The National Citizen Party (NCP) on Thursday raised allegations of vote rigging during the counting process in the Dhaka-8 constituency, warning it would not accept the outcome if irregularities persist. At a media briefing around 10 pm, NCP election chief Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain claimed efforts were underway to influence the results in favour of BNP leader Mirza Abbas. He also alleged that Abbas’s wife was present during the counting and questioned her authority to be involved in overseeing the process.  “We see clear possibilities of manipulation. If they try to impose results, we will not accept them,” Bhuyain said.

Bangladesh Election 2026 Voting Live Updates: Independent candidate Rumin Farhana has claimed a decisive victory in the Brahmanbaria-2 constituency (covering Sarail, Ashuganj, and parts of Bijoynagar), winning by a margin of 37,568 votes. She was unofficially declared the winner around midnight by Assistant Returning Officer Abu Bakar Sarkar. Farhana, who contested using the ‘Duck’ symbol, received 117,495 votes across 151 polling centres. Her nearest rival, BNP alliance candidate Maulana Junaid Al Habib of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam, secured 79,927 votes.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has been unofficially declared the winner of the Thakurgaon-1 (Sadar) constituency, following the announcement of results from all 185 polling centres. Mirza Fakhrul received 236,308 votes, defeating his closest rival, Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Delwar Hossain, who secured 138,936 votes. After the results were declared, the senior BNP leader addressed supporters at his residence in the Kalibari area of Thakurgaon on Thursday night. “We are ahead. Inshallah, we will win the majority of seats and form the government,” he said.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Thursday said the party would accept the election results if the current voting trend continues. Speaking at a press conference at the party’s Dhaka-15 election office around 7 pm, Shafiqur noted that early results were beginning to come in but urged caution against drawing conclusions too soon. “The preliminary results of the election have begun to appear. It is too early to draw conclusions, but we have faith in the people. Early indications are emerging, but nothing can be guaranteed. The country’s interest is our priority. In most areas, the preliminary results show us leading. We will have to wait a little longer,” he said.

Early trends from Bangladesh’s parliamentary elections indicate that the BNP alliance is leading, although seat tallies vary across different media dashboards. According to Prothom Alo’s unofficial results tracker, the BNP and its allies had secured seven seats out of 299 constituencies at that stage of counting, with no other party winning a seat. In contrast, BDNews24 reported that results had been announced in 27 constituencies, with the BNP winning 21 seats. Jamaat-e-Islami had claimed four seats, while independent and other candidates won one seat each.

Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh nominee Shahjahan Chowdhury has secured victory in the Chittagong-15 (Satkania–Lohagara) constituency, according to unofficial results, after polling 172,061 votes. His nearest challenger, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) candidate Nazmul Mustafa Amin, received 127,025 votes, while Shariful Alam Chowdhury of Islami Andolan Bangladesh garnered 2,873 votes. The results were announced at 11:30 pm by Assistant Returning Officers Saiful Islam and Khondaker Mahmudul Hasan. The constituency comprises 157 polling stations across Satkania and Lohagara and has a total of 506,059 registered voters.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Shishir Manir has admitted defeat in the Sunamganj-2 (Dirai-Shalla) constituency in the 13th National Parliament elections. At around 8:20 pm local time on Thursday, Manir posted on his verified Facebook account congratulating his rival, BNP candidate Nasir Uddin Chowdhury, on his victory. “Congratulations to Mr. Nasir Uddin Chowdhury, the BNP candidate, for winning in my constituency. Heartfelt congratulations to you,” Manir wrote.

Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin on Thursday said Bangladesh’s 13th national election was among the best the country has held, expressing satisfaction with how the polls were conducted. “If you judge, it can be considered a pretty good election. I am feeling good,” he said. “We promised to present an election in a festive atmosphere. We promised to present a completely neutral and credible election to the nation and we do believe we have achieved it. Everyone is recognising this.”

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has taken a decisive early lead in Bangladesh’s 13th National Parliament elections, with its candidates ahead in more than 175 constituencies, according to local media reports. Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh was leading in around 30 seats. The election was held to form a new government following the collapse of the Awami League administration in August 2024, which led to the installation of an interim government. Vote counting remains underway.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) candidate Mustafa Kamal Pasha has emerged victorious in the Chittagong-3 (Sandwip) constituency, according to unofficial results. Pasha secured 72,353 votes under the party’s paddy sheaf symbol, while Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh candidate Muhammad Ala Uddin garnered 37,157 votes using the scales symbol. The results were announced at around 11:30 pm by Assistant Returning Officer Mangchingnu Marma. Officials said 4,784 postal ballots were cast in the constituency, which has a total of 260,485 registered voters.

In Bangladesh’s 2026 national parliamentary election, the BNP-led alliance has become the largest bloc in the Jatiya Sangsad after winning 76 seats. The Jamaat-led alliance followed with 19 seats, while other parties and independent candidates secured four seats. Bangladesh’s parliament has a total of 300 seats, with at least 151 required to form a simple majority.

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman has secured victory in the Dhaka-17 constituency, according to unofficial results, BNP Media Cell member Shairul Kabir Khan said. Earlier on Thursday, Tarique cast his vote in the 13th national parliamentary election at the Gulshan Model High School and College centre in Dhaka. He arrived at the polling station around 9:30 am and voted, accompanied by his wife, Dr Zubaida Rahman, and daughter, Zaima Rahman.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader Tarique Rahman is ahead in the Bogura-6 constituency, which includes 21 wards of Bogura Municipality and Bogura Sadar Upazila.

Rahman has secured more than 38,000 votes so far, while his closest challenger, Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Abidur Rahman, has received over 17,000 votes, according to Prothom Alo.

In a post on X, Bangladeshi writer and activist Taslima Nasreen has said, “Democracy Will Cease To Exist If Jamaat Comes To Power.”

BNP alliance candidate and People’s Rights President Nurul Haque, also known as Nur, has emerged victorious in the Patuakhali-3 (Golachipa-Dashmina) constituency. His closest competitor, Hasan Mamun, congratulated him on the win via a Facebook post at around 9 pm on Thursday, writing: “Congratulations – VP Nurul Haque Nur. Newly elected Member of Parliament, Patuakhali-3.”

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman has emerged victorious in the Dhaka-17 constituency, according to unofficial results, BNP Media Cell member Shairul Kabir Khan confirmed.

Earlier on Thursday morning, Rahman cast his ballot in the 13th national parliamentary election at the Gulshan Model High School and College polling center in the capital. He arrived at the center at approximately 9:30am and voted, accompanied by his wife, Dr. Zubaida Rahman, and their daughter, Zaima Rahman.

Early results from 31 of 143 centres in Chattogram-11 (Bandar–Patenga) show BNP candidate Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury leading with 21,881 votes. His nearest competitor, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s Mohammad Shafiul Alam, has secured 15,033 votes so far. Counting is ongoing in the remaining centres.

The BNP alliance continues to hold a steady advantage over the Jamaat-e-Islami-led bloc in the ongoing Bangladesh elections. According to Desh Rupantor, the BNP alliance has secured 14 seats so far, while the Jamaat alliance trails with 4 seats. The results indicate a clear early lead for the BNP as vote counting progresses across the nation.

In the Lakshmipur-1 constituency, BNP candidate Shahadat Hossain Selim is currently leading by 14,000 votes against NCP’s Mahbub Alam, according to Assistant Returning Officer Farashid Bin Enam. The update comes as vote counting continues for the 13th National Parliamentary Election in Bangladesh.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman stated today that his party would accept the outcome of the 13th National Parliamentary Election, regardless of whether other parties choose to do so.

“If voting continues the way it has so far, and if there is no major interference, then whether others accept the results or not, we will accept it, In sha Allah,” he told reporters at his election office in the Dhaka-15 constituency around 7:00pm.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chief Tarique Rahman is currently leading in both the constituencies he contested, according to The Business Standard.

In Dhaka-17, Tarique has secured 60,215 votes, while in Bogura-6, he has garnered 37,465 votes. Early trends indicate a strong showing for the BNP chief as vote counting continues.

The BNP alliance has taken a narrow lead over the Jamaat-e-Islami-led coalition in the ongoing Bangladesh parliamentary elections. According to Desh Rupantor, the BNP has won five seats and holds a vote share of 48.1%, while the Jamaat alliance has secured one seat with a 45% vote share.

The results highlight a tight contest between the two alliances, with several key constituencies still too close to call.

The vote counting for the Comilla-4 parliamentary constituency has concluded, delivering a decisive victory for NCP candidate Hasnat Abdullah. According to unofficial results, Abdullah secured 1,72,000 votes, defeating his closest rival Jasimuddin, who boycotted the polls citing election fraud, and received 26,000 votes, reported Desh Rupantor.

The NCP is part of the 11-party alliance led by Jamaat-e-Islami. Abdullah’s commanding margin marks a significant win for the alliance in the southern region.

In a tightly contested election, early vote shares show the BNP-led alliance at 46.7%, while the Jamaat-e-Islami coalition holds 48.5%, according to Bangladeshi news outlet Desh Rupantor. So far, BNP has secured three seats, and Jamaat has won one. Both alliances are locked in close contests across dozens of constituencies, with results for all Dhaka seats expected soon and final tallies likely by the morning of February 13. The update comes three hours after ballot counting began.

In the Jhenaidah-1 constituency, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) candidate Asaduzzaman is on the verge of victory, according to early results reported by Prothom Alo.

Asaduzzaman has secured 171,598 votes so far, while his closest rival from Jamaat-e-Islami has garnered just over 55,000 votes. The significant lead indicates a strong performance by the BNP in the constituency as vote counting continues.

Hasnat Abdullah, chief organiser of the southern region of the National Citizen Party (NCP) and candidate of the 11-party alliance, is leading in four polling centres in Comilla-4 (Debidwar) constituency, according to official results.

At Gopal Nagar, Hasnat secured 3,084 votes, while his rival Md A Jasim Uddin of the Gono Odhikar Parishad (Truck symbol) received zero votes. At Ward 7 of the municipal centre, Hasnat obtained 1,383 votes, compared to Jasim Uddin’s 480.

Local media report that voter turnout in the Bangladesh election is expected to surpass 60%, significantly higher than the 42% recorded in the 2024 polls. Authorities and media will continue to provide updates as counting progresses.

In the Mymensingh-1 constituency, BNP rebel candidate Salman Omar is leading against his former colleague from the party, Syed Imran Saleh Prince, by over 9,000 votes. The leads were reported after counting votes from 53 centres.

In Naogaon-1 constituency, BNP's Mohammad Mostafizur Rahman is leading with 47,428 votes, while Jamaat-e-Islami’s Mohammad Mahbubul Alam trails by 14,000 votes.

In Khulna-1, BNP’s Ejaz Khan is leading with 5,045 votes, while Jamaat’s Krishna Nandi trails behind. He is currently over 4,000 votes behind the BNP candidate.

Early trends from 32 centres indicate that Jamaat-e-Islami is leading in Sherpur-1 and Sherpur-2 constituencies. In Sherpur-1, Jamaat’s candidate Rashedul Islam has secured 29,627 votes, while BNP’s Sansila Zebrin Priyanka trails with 15,000 votes. In Sherpur-2, Jamaat’s Md Golam Kibria is ahead, with BNP’s Fahim Chowdhury trailing.

Early trends from Centre No. 42 in Dhaka-9 show BNP candidate Habibur Rashid leading with 566 votes. Independent candidate Tasnim Zara is trailing with 368 votes, while NCP’s Jabed Rasin has secured 361 votes so far.

Bangladesh interim government’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus called for calm following the conclusion of voting in the 13th parliamentary elections, with counting underway nationwide. In a statement, Yunus said, “Differences of opinion will exist, but we must remain united in the national interest,” and urged citizens to “exercise and restraint and democratic decorum.”

As voting for Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary elections concluded at 4:30 pm local time, BNP chairperson Tarique Rahman stated that his party would accept the outcome only if the polls are conducted in a transparent and fair manner. Rahman said, “If the election is free, if it is fair, if it is without controversy, then why would we not accept it? Of course we will accept it. All parties will accept it.”

Shafiqur Rahman’s 11-party coalition described the voting process in Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary election as “excellent” and expressed hopes of a “landslide victory” and winning the “highest number of seats.” Jamaat Assistant Secretary General Ahsanul Mahboob Zubair added, “We are now eagerly waiting for the results to be announced as quickly as possible. We will observe the process.”

Hindu voters have reportedly participated in large numbers in today’s national election in Bangladesh, exercising their democratic rights despite fears of violence and intimidation targeting minority communities, according to PTI. Many voters expressed hope that the new government would ensure peace and stability across the country.

During its weekly press conference, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that it had received an invitation from the neighbouring country to send poll observers. "Received invitation to send Observers," the MEA said.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party chief Tarique Rahman has called for the swift announcement of election results, citing reports of “irregularities” during the polling process, according to the Daily Star. He emphasized the need for transparency to maintain public trust in the electoral process.

Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has demanded the cancellation of Bangladesh’s parliamentary elections, describing them as a “carefully planned farce” under interim leader Muhammad Yunus. She thanked voters despite turnout remaining below 50%, citing early participation of just 14.96% as evidence of public boycott. (Read more)

The counting of votes for Bangladesh’s 13th national elections is currently underway, with results eagerly awaited across 299 constituencies. Election officials continue to tabulate ballots following Thursday’s polling.

Counting of votes began on Thursday in Bangladesh’s 13th national elections, marking the country’s first parliamentary polls since the deadly 2024 uprising and subsequent student-led revolution. Election officials initiated the tabulation process shortly after voting concluded, with results expected to start coming in later in the day.

The election is being closely watched both domestically and internationally, as it follows a period of intense political upheaval that reshaped the country’s leadership and governance structure.