Bangladesh Nationalist Party Claims Parliamentary Majority as Islamists Challenge Election Integrity

Bangladesh Nationalist Party Claims Parliamentary Majority as Islamists Challenge Election Integrity
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The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) announced it had secured an outright majority in this week’s parliamentary elections, the first national vote since the 2024 uprising that removed former prime minister Sheikh Hasina.

According to projections aired by local television channels on Friday, the BNP won 212 of the 300 seats in parliament, while the rival coalition captured 74 seats, pending official confirmation by the election commission. In a statement, the BNP described the outcome as a “major victory” and urged supporters to avoid street celebrations, saying the results reflected voter confidence in its political platform and pledging efforts to restore stability and pursue economic and political reforms.

The Jamaat-e-Islami, the country’s largest Islamist party, questioned the integrity of the vote, raising what it called serious concerns over inconsistencies in preliminary results. The party said it was dissatisfied with the electoral process, citing fears of possible manipulation without providing detailed evidence.

The elections were held under heavy security, with more than 300,000 army and police personnel deployed nationwide. Authorities reported limited unrest during the campaign period, including sporadic clashes that resulted in casualties.

Interim Prime Minister Muhammad Yunus said the elections would shape Bangladesh’s democratic direction and stressed the need to rebuild state institutions after years of turmoil.

International congratulations followed the announcement, including messages from the United States, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, all expressing readiness to work with the new leadership.