Historic Elections Held in Bangladesh After Gen Z-Led Uprising; Major Victory for BNP

Historic Elections Held in Bangladesh After Gen Z-Led Uprising; Major Victory for BNP
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Voters in Bangladesh lined up at polling stations across the country on Thursday, February 12, 2026, as the nation held its first parliamentary elections since the mass protests and uprising in 2024 that led to the ouster of long-time leader Sheikh Hasina.

According to local sources, the vote has been widely described as a crucial step in restoring democratic governance following a period of political turmoil.

According to unofficial results and reporting from local and international media, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by Tarique Rahman, is set for a decisive victory, securing a majority of seats in the Jatiya Sangsad. Early counts indicate the BNP has won over 209 of 300 parliamentary seats, exceeding the threshold needed for a parliamentary majority.

The election, described as the world’s first major vote following a Generation Z-driven uprising, was conducted alongside a constitutional referendum on reforms aimed at preventing future authoritarian rule — proposals that preliminary results suggest have been widely supported by voters.

Rahman, returning from nearly two decades in exile, is poised to become prime minister. He has pledged democratic reform, anti-corruption measures, economic revitalization, and stronger international partnerships.

The campaign and polling period were accompanied by tight security, with tens of thousands of police and military personnel deployed nationwide to maintain order. Observers and officials reported that voting was largely peaceful, although some opposition figures, including Jamaat‑e‑Islami, have raised questions about the integrity of aspects of the process.

More than 127 million registered voters were eligible to take part, with the election seen as a landmark test for Bangladesh’s democratic future after years of unrest and political upheaval.