Bangladesh's Historic 13th Parliament Election: A Landslide for BNP, Jamaat's Strong Surge, and a Decisive 'Yes' in Constitutional Referendum
In a pivotal moment for Bangladesh's democracy, the 13th National Parliament Election, held on February 12, 2026, alongside a nationwide referendum on constitutional reforms, has reshaped the country's political landscape. Following the dramatic July uprising that ended the previous regime, this election marked the nation's first major democratic exercise in years—ushering in what many are calling the dawn of a "new Bangladesh."
The results delivered a resounding victory for the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), which secured an overwhelming 209 seats out of the 299 contested parliamentary constituencies. This near-absolute majority positions BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman as a central figure in forming the next government. In a symbolic gesture of regional goodwill, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally congratulated Tarique Rahman via phone and on X, highlighting the election's international significance.
Jamaat-e-Islami, staging a remarkable comeback, claimed 68 seats, demonstrating strong grassroots support in several districts. The party swept all four constituencies in Satkhira and performed impressively elsewhere. Notable among these was the victory of Jamaat's Amir Md. Shafiqur Rahman in Dhaka-15, where he defeated his BNP rival by a substantial margin of 21,614 votes (85,131 to 63,517). Despite allegations of vote manipulation that briefly delayed the announcement, the result stood firm.
The National Citizen Party (NCP) and independents also made their mark, winning 6 seats combined, including standout performances such as independent candidate Rumin Farhana's triumph in Brahmanbaria-2 by over 37,000 votes.
Adding to the transformative outcome, the concurrent referendum on sweeping constitutional changes saw a solid voter turnout of 60.26%, with the 'Yes' vote prevailing decisively. This approval paves the way for fundamental reforms aimed at strengthening democratic institutions, accountability, and governance—fulfilling a key demand from the post-uprising movement.
The election day itself unfolded with remarkable peacefulness, described by Chief Election Commissioner as the country boarding "the train of democracy" destined for success. Voters turned out in large numbers, forming long queues under the sun at centers across Dhaka, Bogura, Khulna, Satkhira, Bhola, and beyond. Turnout figures climbed steadily, reaching around 48% by mid-afternoon in many areas, with some constituencies like Bogura-6 and Chuadanga-2 reporting even higher participation.
Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus captured the national mood perfectly, calling the day the "birthday of a new Bangladesh"—the end of past nightmares and the beginning of fresh dreams. He urged citizens to embrace the referendum as a chance for real change and to maintain unity after the results.
Tarique Rahman, contesting from Bogura-6 (where he won by a double-digit margin) and Dhaka-17, emphasized the people's power to overcome conspiracies. Other key figures, including Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir (victorious in Thakurgaon-1) and various Jamaat leaders, celebrated their wins amid a festive yet focused atmosphere.
While the vast majority of polling stations reported smooth operations, isolated incidents occurred: a few clashes leading to arrests, health-related deaths in queues, and minor explosions in places like Cumilla and Bhairab. A grenade attack in Gopalganj injured three people early in the day, but swift security responses prevented escalation. Allegations of agent removals and irregularities surfaced in some Dhaka and Brahmanbaria centers, though most were resolved promptly.
With over 127 million registered voters participating across thousands of centers, the election showcased Bangladesh's resilient spirit. Women voters, youth, and first-timers expressed particular enthusiasm, viewing their ballots as a direct stake in the nation's future.
As the dust settles, this election stands as more than a political contest—it's a milestone in Bangladesh's journey toward inclusive, reformed democracy. With BNP's dominant mandate, Jamaat's influential presence, and constitutional reforms now on the horizon, the country enters a new chapter filled with hope, challenges, and the promise of accountable governance. The people have spoken, and their verdict echoes loudly: change is here.
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