For the first time in two decades, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) stands on the threshold of forming government for the fourth time. According to unofficial results of the 13th National Parliamentary Election, candidates running with the party’s “paddy sheaf” symbol have made remarkable gains. Of the 299 constituencies, BNP-nominated candidates have so far won—officially or unofficially—203 seats. In addition, Jamaat-e-Islami candidates have secured 70 seats, the National Citizen Party 6 seats, and various other parties and independent contenders have won 14 seats. Results from several constituencies are still being finalized.
Tarique Rahman’s Dual Victory Marks a Pivotal Moment
In a significant milestone in his long political career, BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman has secured sweeping victories in both Dhaka-17 and Bogura-6. Meanwhile, Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has won from Dhaka-15.
This year marks Tarique Rahman’s first-ever participation in a national election, and he captured both constituencies by considerable margins.
BNP’s Second Return to Power: A Look Back
BNP last came to power following the 2001 national election. The five-year government was led by Begum Khaleda Zia until her resignation on 28 October 2006. Earlier, in 1991—after Bangladesh’s return to parliamentary democracy—BNP formed the government with wide public support, making Khaleda Zia the country’s first female prime minister. The party also had a brief stint in power in 1996.
The party’s political journey stretches further back, to its founding under the leadership of the late President Ziaur Rahman and later expanded under Khaleda Zia, who guided BNP to the height of its popularity.
Tarique Rahman’s Rise: From Grassroots to the Top
Within the party, it is now largely expected that Tarique Rahman will assume the role of prime minister if BNP forms the government.
He returned to the country on 25 November after 17 years in exile, and was added to the voter roll two days later. His political involvement dates back to the anti-military movements of the 1980s. His formal political career began in 1988 when he became a member of the BNP’s Gabtali Upazila unit in Bogura.
He drew national attention in 1993 for introducing internal democratic reforms for grassroots leadership selection. Later, he became Senior Joint Secretary General in 2002, Senior Vice Chairman in 2009, and Acting Chairman in 2018 following the imprisonment of Begum Khaleda Zia. During the party’s simultaneous movement strategies, he emerged as the central figure in BNP’s leadership.
A New Chapter Amid Leadership Transition
The death of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia on 30 December created a new leadership dynamic within the party. On 9 January, the Standing Committee formally declared Tarique Rahman as the party’s chairman.
The combination of an overwhelming electoral lead and the transition at the party’s top leadership signals the beginning of a new political chapter for BNP. Once the remaining constituency results are announced, the final picture will become clear. However, based on unofficial tallies, the party appears to be moving decisively toward forming the next government.