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  • Bangladesh Picks Veteran Alamgir as New President

    Bangladesh Picks Veteran Alamgir as New President

    Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, secretary general of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), delivers a speech during a press conference in Dhaka, Bangladesh, February 14, 2026.— Reuters

    – Alamgir, 78, won the parliamentary vote against Oli Ahmed.
    – He is anticipated to take the oath of office on Friday evening.
    – Shahabuddin stepped down from his leading position due to health issues.

    DHAKA: Longtime BNP leader Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has been elected as Bangladesh’s new president on Thursday, marking a significant political milestone as the opposition figure assumes the head of state role following a major political shift.

    The BNP regained power in February after the collapse of Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League government in 2024. Although the presidency in Bangladesh is mainly a ceremonial position, Alamgir will serve as the nation’s figurehead and commander-in-chief of the armed forces. Real executive power, however, remains with the prime minister and cabinet in this South Asian country with a population of around 173 million.

    In the parliamentary election, Alamgir, 78, defeated Oli Ahmed, a retired army colonel and leader of the Liberal Democratic Party, who was also the candidate of the Jamaat-e-Islami-led opposition alliance. The Chief Election Commissioner, AMM Nasir Uddin, announced Alamgir as the winner with 255 votes to Ahmed’s 88.

    The BNP and its allies command a two-thirds majority in parliament after their victory on February 12, which marked the party’s return to power after years in opposition. This election also positioned Tarique Rahman as the prime minister.

    The recent presidential election was triggered by Shahabuddin’s resignation last month due to health reasons, ahead of completing his five-year term. Shahabuddin, a former Awami League politician and close associate of Sheikh Hasina, was elected president in 2023 amid the peak of her party’s influence.

    Sheikh Hasina has been in India since fleeing Bangladesh following a mass uprising that ousted her government in August 2024. She has expressed her intention to return to Bangladesh in December.

    Alamgir has been one of BNP’s most longstanding figures, serving as secretary-general from 2016 until his nomination for the presidency. Throughout Hasina’s tenure, he became a prominent opposition voice, facing repeated arrests and legal charges.

    He started his career as a teacher after earning a degree in economics from the University of Dhaka. Joining the BNP in the early 1990s, he steadily rose through the ranks to become one of the party’s most recognizable national leaders.

    His political journey includes holding various ministerial positions, most recently as Minister of Local Government before accepting his presidential nomination. His inauguration is expected to take place on Friday evening.

  • Bangladesh’s Next Prime Minister Rahman Speaks on Democracy Sacrifices

    Bangladesh’s Next Prime Minister Rahman Speaks on Democracy Sacrifices

    Tarique Rahman, leader of Bangladesh’s Nationalist Party (BNP), flashed a victory gesture during a press conference after BNP secured a win in the 13th general election in Dhaka, February 14, 2026—Reuters.

    • JI pledges to act as a “vigilant, principled, peaceful opposition.”
    • The BNP coalition claimed 212 seats, while JI’s alliance garnered 77.
    • The European Union described Friday’s elections as “credible.”

    Prime Minister-elect Tarique Rahman of Bangladesh paid tribute to those who “sacrificed for democracy” on Saturday, vowing to foster unity following the nation’s first elections since a deadly uprising in 2024.

    At 60, Rahman, an heir to a powerful political dynasty, is poised to lead Bangladesh, a nation of 170 million, after Thursday’s sweeping electoral victory.

    “This victory belongs to Bangladesh and democracy,” Rahman declared in his inaugural speech post-vote. “It is a triumph for the people who aspire to and have sacrificed for democracy.”

    He will assume leadership from an interim government that has guided Bangladesh since the student-led protests ended Sheikh Hasina’s strict rule in August 2024.

    Rahman’s victory signals a significant comeback for a man who only returned from 17 years in exile in Britain last December, away from Dhaka’s political turmoil.

    The BNP-led coalition secured 212 seats, outpacing the 77 seats won by the Jamaat-e-Islami-led alliance, according to the Electoral Commission.

    Calling for Unity

    Jamaat leader Shafiqur Rahman, aged 67, initially alleged “irregularities and fabrications” in the voting process but later conceded defeat.

    He committed to serving as a “vigilant, principled, and peaceful opposition.” Rahman emphasized that his Islamist party, which faced suppression under Hasina, had doubled its parliamentary seats from previous levels, considering this a foundation for future growth.

    Hasina’s Awami League was disqualified from participating. The 78-year-old former Prime Minister, sentenced to death in absentia for crimes against humanity, issued a statement from hiding in India condemning the election as “illegal and unconstitutional.”

    Rahman urged cooperation across political lines, emphasizing the need for national unity amid political upheaval.

    A Pro-Democracy Victory

    Rahman’s father, President Ziaur Rahman, was assassinated in 1981, while his mother, Khaleda Zia, served three terms as prime minister and wielded significant influence in Bangladesh’s politics for decades.

    “The people of a freedom-loving, pro-democracy Bangladesh have once again delivered victory to the BNP,” Rahman stated, initially in English before switching to Bengali.

    Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, the former interim leader, earlier stated that Rahman would help steer the country toward stability, inclusion, and progress.

    The U.S. embassy congratulated Rahman and the BNP on their “historic victory,” while neighboring India commended his “decisive win,” marking a shift after years of tense relations.

    China and Pakistan, both strengthening ties with Bangladesh since the 2024 uprising and amid cooling relations with India, also sent their congratulations.

    International observers praised the elections, with the European Union calling them “credible.” Turnout was approximately 59% across 299 of 300 voting districts.

    Only seven women secured seats outright; however, 50 more parliamentary seats reserved for women will be filled through party lists.

    Voters also supported in a referendum a broad democratic reform charter, advocated by Yunus, aimed at overhauling Bangladesh’s “completely broken” governance system and preventing a return to single-party dominance. Proposed reforms include prime ministerial term limits, a new upper house of parliament, enhanced presidential authority, and increased judicial independence.

    Rahman acknowledged that the new administration faces serious hurdles, citing a fragile economy, weakened institutions, and law and order issues left by an authoritarian past.

    “We are about to begin our journey amid economic instability, fragile institutions, and law and order challenges,” he said.

  • BNP’s Core Priorities as Bangladesh Election Winner

    BNP’s Core Priorities as Bangladesh Election Winner

    The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) secured a clear two-thirds majority in Friday’s general elections, a victory that’s expected to stabilize the country after months of unrest following the removal of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during a youth-led uprising.

    Led by Tarique Rahman, the BNP is set to return to power after two decades. Rahman, the son of BNP founder and ex-president Ziaur Rahman, is widely anticipated to take the oath as prime minister.

    Key commitments in the BNP’s election platform, under the slogan “Bangladesh First,” include:

    Reforms
    Implement all aspects of the July Charter, which aims to establish new constitutional institutions, introduce a bicameral parliament, and make broad political changes aligned with party commitments.

    Trade
    Work to revive closed industries and diversify exports.
    Facilitate foreign businesses operating legally to repatriate profits within 30 days.

    Employment
    Create close to 1 million new jobs in the tech and IT sectors.
    Ensure wages are fair and adjusted for inflation, with a review system every two years.
    Develop technical and language skills among youth and promote merit-based government hiring.

    Economic Growth
    Introduce international payment systems, establish regional e-commerce hubs, and promote the “Made in Bangladesh” initiative.
    Implement a “Family Card” program providing monthly provisions for low-income households to purchase essentials.

    Healthcare
    Gradually increase public health spending to 5% of GDP.
    Hire 100,000 healthcare workers nationwide and expand preventive health initiatives.

    Social Initiatives
    Start a midday meal program for students and introduce a new education policy based on skills and values.
    Improve sports facilities and infrastructure.
    Provide training-based welfare programs for religious leaders across different faiths.

  • Tarique Rahman Emerges as Next Leader in Bangladesh Politics

    Tarique Rahman Emerges as Next Leader in Bangladesh Politics

    A 60-year-old leader of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Tarique Rahman, who had been overshadowed for years by his influential family, is finally stepping into the spotlight. As the heir to one of Bangladesh’s most powerful political dynasties, Rahman is now prepared to lead the nation of 170 million people, driven by his desire to “improve” the country.

    Following a deadly uprising that ended Sheikh Hasina’s authoritarian rule roughly a year and a half ago, the BNP claims they secured a “landslide victory” in last Thursday’s parliamentary elections. While official results are pending, the United States has already congratulated Rahman on what they describe as a “historic” win.

    Rahman’s return marks a significant turnaround, especially considering he only came back to Bangladesh in December after spending 17 years in exile in the UK, far from the country’s turbulent politics. Known widely as Tarique Zia, his life has been deeply intertwined with his family’s political legacy. His father, President Ziaur Rahman, was assassinated in 1981 when Tarique was just 15. His mother, Khaleda Zia—who served as prime minister three times and was a dominant political figure—passed away at 80 just days after his return.

    Speaking to AFP two days before the election, Rahman promised to build upon his family’s legacy. “They are them, I am me,” he stated from his office adorned with portraits of his late parents. “I want to do better than them.” He shared that upon arriving in December, he was overwhelmed with mixed emotions—initial joy of returning contrasted with grief over his mother’s passing. “This is my country; I was born and raised here, so I felt very happy,” he said. However, instead of celebrating, he had to say farewell to his mother, who had been in intensive care. “When you come home after so long, any son wants to hug his mother,” he admitted. “I didn’t get that chance.”

    Within days of returning to Dhaka, Rahman took charge of the BNP and its election campaign. Despite his grief, he stepped onto the stage, rallying large crowds with determination.

    His family roots stretch back to a rivalry rooted in politics that dates to the 1970s. His father, Ziaur Rahman, rose to prominence as an army officer after a 1975 coup, establishing a powerbase in opposition to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Sheikh Hasina’s father. Both Ziaur Rahman and his successor, Sheikh Zia, were killed in assassinations, fueling a long-standing political rivalry. Tarique’s mother, Khaleda Zia, became Bangladesh’s first female prime minister, often competing against Sheikh Hasina in contentious elections.

    Rahman’s political journey began under the shadow of these family struggles, and it has not been without controversy. U.S. diplomatic cables from 2006 describe him as “an unnerving figure,” associated with corruption and violence. He faced corruption charges in 2007, which he claims were politically motivated, resulting in his exile to London. He consistently denies all accusations, asserting their political nature, but has expressed regret if any mistakes were made in the past.

    He was eventually acquitted of the most serious charges, including a life sentence for a grenade attack on Sheikh Hasina’s rally in 2004, which he has always denied perpetrating. Married to a cardiologist and father to a daughter who is a lawyer, Rahman led a quiet life in Britain until his dramatic return, which was met with a hero’s welcome and viral images of his pet cat, Jebu.

    Acknowledging the enormous challenge ahead, Rahman considers his task to be rebuilding a nation he says was “destroyed” by the previous regime. His return marks a new chapter in Bangladesh’s complex political landscape, with many watching to see how his leadership will unfold.

  • BNP Secures Huge Victory in Bangladesh Elections

    BNP Secures Huge Victory in Bangladesh Elections

    Supporters of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chant slogans as they celebrate unofficial news of Tarique Rahman’s victory in his constituency during the 13th general election near the party’s Gulshan office in Dhaka, Bangladesh, February 12, 2026. — Reuters

    – BNP coalition secures 209 seats in a sweeping victory.
    – Jamaat-e-Islami pledges to serve as a constructive opposition.
    – Former Prime Minister Hasina condemns the election as a sham and calls for its cancellation.

    DHAKA: The Bangladesh Nationalist Party achieved a decisive victory in Friday’s parliamentary elections, according to reports from local TV stations. The result provides a strong mandate believed to stabilize the nation’s political landscape.

    This election on Thursday marked Bangladesh’s first vote since the 2024 Gen Z-driven protests that ousted longtime Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. A clear outcome was deemed vital for maintaining stability in the Muslim-majority country, which has been shaken by months of violent unrest targeting Hasina’s government, disrupting daily life and affecting key industries like the apparel sector, a major contributor to the nation’s economy.

    The polls also represented the first national contest following recent youth-led protests across the broader region. Nepal is scheduled to hold its own election next month.

    BNP Claims Victory

    Polls had indicated BNP was favored, and real-time results matched those expectations. The coalition, led by BNP, won 209 seats out of 300, earning a substantial two-thirds majority in the Jatiya Sangsad (National Parliament), as reported by Jamuna TV.

    Immediately after their victory was projected, the BNP congratulated the nation and urged citizens to pray for the country’s well-being on Friday. The party stated, “Despite our landslide victory, BNP will not hold celebratory rallies. We encourage people to pray across mosques, temples, churches, and pagodas nationwide.”

    The BNP is led by Tarique Rahman, a prominent prime ministerial candidate, and son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and ex-President Ziaur Rahman. Their platform included promises of financial support for impoverished families, limiting each person to serve a maximum of ten years as Prime Minister, attracting foreign investments, and promoting anti-corruption measures.

    Jamaat-eh-Islami Vows Constructive Opposition

    The Islamist party Jamaat-e-Islami’s leader, Shafiqur Rahman, acknowledged defeat, with his alliance capturing only 68 seats. Rahman emphasized that Jamaat intended to pursue “positive politics” rather than opposition for opposition’s sake.

    Meanwhile, the National Citizen Party, led by youth activists who played a crucial role in Toppling Hasina and part of the Jamaat alliance, only secured five out of the 30 seats it contested.

    The election was notable as Bangladesh’s first genuinely competitive vote in recent years. Sheikh Hasina’s ruling Awami League was barred from participation, having ruled the country for more than 15 years before her ousting.

    Voter turnout was projected to surpass the 42% recorded in 2024, with reports indicating over 60% of registered voters cast ballots. A total of more than 2,000 candidates, including many independents, competed in the election, which featured a record 50 political parties. Voting was postponed in one constituency following the death of a candidate.

    Alongside the elections, a referendum was held on constitutional reforms—proposals to establish a neutral interim government during elections, create a bicameral parliament, increase women’s representation, bolster judicial independence, and set term limits for the prime minister.

    Initial reports suggest that approximately 73% of nearly 296,000 votes cast in the referendum supported these amendments.

    Hasina Denounces Election

    Currently in exile in India—an ally whose relationship with Bangladesh has become strained—Hasina criticized the election, calling it a “carefully orchestrated farce” conducted without her party’s participation and claiming voter turnout was artificially suppressed. She demanded the cancellation of the results and the restoration of fair voting rights under a neutral caretaker government.

    Opposition critics argue that elections under her leadership have historically been plagued by boycotts and intimidation, raising concerns over the legitimacy of these recent polls.

  • Bangladesh Prepares for Election Amid Hasina Supporter Concerns

    Bangladesh Prepares for Election Amid Hasina Supporter Concerns

    Gopalganj: Bangladesh is gearing up for its first election since the overthrow of Sheikh Hasina, but supporters of her banned Awami League (AL) are uncertain whether to shift their loyalty.

    In Gopalganj, located south of Dhaka and known as a stronghold of Hasina’s ironclad rule, residents are facing an election without the party that has shaped their political experience for decades.

    “Sheikh Hasina may have made mistakes — she and her allies — but what about the millions of Awami League supporters?” asked 68-year-old tricycle delivery driver Mohammad Shahjahan Fakir, who stated he wouldn’t vote.

    “Why isn’t the ‘boat’ symbol on the ballot paper anymore?” he wondered, referencing AL’s former election icon.

    The Muslim-majority country of 170 million people will hold elections on February 12 — its first since the protests earlier this year.

    Hasina, who suppressed opposition parties during her tenure and won every election in Gopalganj since 1991, was ousted in August 2024 after a failed attempt to cling to power and a brutal crackdown on demonstrators. She fled to India.

    She was sentenced in absentia to death in November for crimes against humanity by a Dhaka court, and her former ruling party, once the nation’s most popular, has been declared illegal. Human Rights Watch has condemned the ban as “draconian.”

    “There’s so much confusion right now,” said 46-year-old Mohammad Shafayet Biswas, a banana and betel leaf vendor in Gopalganj.

    “Several candidates are running from this constituency — I don’t even know who they are.” A crowd gathered, with one man shouting, “Who’s going to the polls? We don’t even have our candidates this time.”

    Hasina’s father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founding leader of Bangladesh, was born in Gopalganj and is buried there. Statues of Rahman have been taken down across the country, but murals and statues in Gopalganj remain well-maintained.

    Since Hasina’s removal, clashes have erupted during campaign events, including one in July 2025 between police and AL supporters, resulting in over 8,000 cases filed against residents.

    University professor Sazzad Siddiqui predicts voter turnout in Gopalganj could be among the lowest nationwide. “Many people still refuse to accept that Sheikh Hasina did anything wrong,” he explained, having served on a government commission formed after the unrest. “Meanwhile, the government continues to try to dehumanize them.”

    Candidates from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami, rivals of Hasina, are now leading the campaigns with hopes of power.

    “People want a change in leadership,” said 57-year-old BNP candidate SM Zilany, who is actively knocking on doors. “I am visiting homes, and many voters have never had a candidate approach them before. I promise I will stand by them.”

    Zilany has previously faced 34 legal cases, which he claims were politically motivated, after running against Hasina twice. He believes there’s an ongoing effort to discourage voters from turning out this time.

    Jamaat’s candidate, MM Rezaul Karim, 53, noted that under Hasina, their party had been driven underground. “People are craving new leadership,” he said, expressing openness to voters of all backgrounds. “We believe in coexistence; those involved in crimes should be punished, but others should be spared.” Many former supporters of Hasina now appear disillusioned.

    Some residents admit they’ve abandoned the AL but are unsure who to support instead. “I’m not voting,” said one woman who requested anonymity. “Who else can I turn to except Hasina? She’s like a sister to me.”

  • Tarique Rahman, Bangladesh Powerhouse, Set to Return from Exile

    Tarique Rahman, Bangladesh Powerhouse, Set to Return from Exile

    Tarique Rahman, acting chair of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), is preparing for his return to Bangladesh after 17 years in exile. At 60 years old, he is seen as a potential prime minister and is expected to assume leadership from his ailing mother, Khaleda Zia, who recently faced health setbacks and remains in intensive care. Rahman has resided in London since fleeing Bangladesh in 2008, citing political persecution, and is now traveling back ahead of crucial upcoming elections.

    Despite enduring health issues and being imprisoned in the past, Khaleda Zia has committed to campaigning for the 2026 elections, even as her recovery remains critical. The upcoming elections mark a significant political shift, being the first since last year’s mass protests ousted Sheikh Hasina’s long-standing, hardline government. Rahman’s recent acquittal on the most serious charges—such as the 2004 grenade attack on a Hasina rally—has cleared some legal hurdles, yet his political career has been marred by allegations of nepotism, corruption, and violence.

    Beloved by many in his party and often featured alongside his mother on BNP banners, Rahman has been groomed for leadership for years. He recently met with Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus in London, fostering ties with influential figures working toward Bangladesh’s future. His background is deeply rooted in the country’s tumultuous political history: born in 1967 in East Pakistan, briefly detained during the 1971 independence war, he is the son of army commander Ziaur Rahman who became a key political figure after the 1975 coup that murdered Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Sheikh Hasina’s father.

    The ongoing rivalry between the Zia and Hasina families, known as the “Battle of the Begums,” has defined much of Bangladesh’s political landscape. Rahman grew up amid this conflict, shaping his political persona from a young age. He entered politics at 23, joining BNP in its opposition to military ruler Hussain Muhammad Ershad, despite persistent accusations of nepotism and mismanagement. Reports from U.S. diplomatic cables have labeled him as an intimidating figure in Bangladesh’s political scene, often associated with corruption and violence—claims he has consistently denied.

    While in Britain, Rahman maintained a low profile, residing with his wife, a cardiologist, and their daughter. Following Sheikh Hasina’s rise to power in 2008, he faced imprisonment in absentia over the 2004 grenade attack, a case BNP considers politically motivated. Nevertheless, he has emerged as a vocal critic and supporter within BNP’s social media spheres, positioning himself as a key figure in Bangladesh’s future political landscape.

  • Bangladesh Sets National Election Date for February 12

    Bangladesh Sets National Election Date for February 12

    Bangladesh will hold parliamentary elections on February 12, following the recent unrest that prompted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government to flee to India last year. The country’s Election Commission announced the date this Thursday, marking the first nationwide vote since the deadly student protests.

    Since then, an interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus has managed the Muslim-majority nation of 173 million people. However, mounting dissatisfaction over stalled reforms has sparked new protests and deepened political divisions.

    On the same day, a referendum on the proposed “July Charter” — a comprehensive reform plan developed after the unrest — will also take place, according to Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin. The charter aims to make significant changes to state institutions: reducing executive power, boosting the independence of the judiciary and election authorities, and curbing the influence of law enforcement agencies.

    The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, is widely considered the main contender in the upcoming elections. They are competing alongside Jamaat-e-Islami, the country’s largest Islamic party, which has re-entered electoral politics after restrictions were eased by the interim government.

    Jamaat was previously unable to contest elections due to a 2013 court ruling that found its registration conflicted with Bangladesh’s secular constitution. Meanwhile, the National Citizen Party, formed by student leaders after the 2024 protests, trails behind BNP and Jamaat, struggling to turn street activism into electoral success.

    Hasina’s Awami League, which is barred from running this election, has issued warnings of unrest if the ban isn’t lifted. Voters are focused on key issues such as restoring democratic governance, revitalizing the economy—a sector hurt by the disruptions affecting the export-driven garment industry—repairing strained relations with neighboring India, addressing corruption, and safeguarding media freedom.

  • Bangladesh Elections Set for Early April 2026, Says Interim PM Yunus

    Bangladesh Elections Set for Early April 2026, Says Interim PM Yunus

    Muhammad Yunus, the interim prime minister of Bangladesh, gestures during a Ramadan Solidarity Iftar with Rohingya refugees in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, on March 14, 2025. — Reuters

    • Yunus is not affiliated with any political party and has ruled out running for office.
    • The government is facing protests over wage issues and the dismissal of public servants.
    • The BNP is calling for early elections, warning of rising public anger.

    Bangladesh is set to conduct a national election in the first half of April 2026, as announced by its acting prime minister on Friday. This announcement follows a period of an interim, unelected government that began after student-led unrest led to the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in 2024.

    Since August, former Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus has been at the helm of the South Asian nation, which is home to 173 million people, after Hasina fled to India amidst violent protests against her administration.

    However, Yunus’ government has also encountered significant unrest, with protests erupting last month over wage disputes and the dismissal of civil servants without extensive procedures.

    “After assessing the ongoing reform initiatives, I am informing the public today that the next national election will take place at any moment during the first half of April 2026,” Yunus stated during a national address on Friday.

    The election commission is expected to release a comprehensive plan for the election at a suitable time. Yunus, who is not aligned with any political party, has expressed disinterest in running for office.

    Opposition groups, particularly the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), have been advocating for early elections, warning of escalating turmoil and “increasing dissatisfaction among the populace” if elections are not held by December.

    The BNP leader and former prime minister, Khaleda Zia, was acquitted in January of corruption charges from 2008, clearing a path for her to participate in the upcoming elections.

    Additionally, Hasina’s Awami League party was effectively barred from participating in the elections after the election commission suspended its registration last month.

    Previously, Yunus’ government prohibited all Awami League activities under the Anti-Terrorism Act, citing threats to national security after several days of protests.

    Hasina, credited with significant economic progress but criticized for human rights infringements and cracking down on dissent, secured a fourth consecutive term in 2024, although the vote was boycotted by major opposition leaders, many of whom were either imprisoned or in exile.

  • Opposition in Bangladesh Warns of Instability If Elections Postponed

    Opposition in Bangladesh Warns of Instability If Elections Postponed

    Abdul Moyeen Khan, a member of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s Standing Committee, during an interview at his home in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on December 18, 2023. — Reuters

    • Interim PM indicates elections may be postponed until June 2026.
    • BNP has no intentions of participating in elections as part of any coalition.
    • Khan states internal party surveys indicate a majority victory for BNP in the next election.

    NEW DELHI: The primary opposition party in Bangladesh has cautioned that the nation could face instability and “significant public discontent” if elections are not conducted by December. This warning comes after the interim prime minister hinted that the polls might be delayed until 2026.

    Since August, an unelected interim administration, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, has governed the South Asian nation of 173 million, following violent protests led by students that resulted in the flight of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, a longstanding ally of India, to New Delhi.

    Both Hasina’s party, the Awami League, and the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party had sought elections to take place last year. However, Yunus announced in a speech that elections might not occur until between December 2025 and June 2026.

    He stated that this delay would allow for reforms necessary to facilitate “the most free, fair, and credible elections in Bangladesh.” The opposition and some Western nations have accused Hasina’s government of widespread electoral fraud, allegations which she has denied.

    Earlier this month, a former minister under Yunus, student leader Nahid Islam, remarked that conducting elections this year would be challenging due to ongoing issues with public safety and law enforcement.

    However, the BNP insists on a return to democratic processes this year, as emphasized by Abdul Moyeen Khan, a member of the party’s top decision-making body and former minister of science and technology.

    “We will attempt to persuade them that calling for an election as soon as possible is the best course of action,” Khan told Reuters in an interview on Saturday, referring to the interim government.

    “December is a generally accepted timeline. Delaying beyond December would complicate matters further,” he asserted, speaking from Washington D.C., where he is meeting with U.S. officials to discuss the situation in Bangladesh.

    “There will be significant public discontent if things extend beyond this timeline. That could lead to instability; time will reveal what happens,” he stated.

    Khan is the first senior figure from the BNP to issue a warning about potential unrest should elections be postponed this year.

    No pre-election alliance for BNP

    The Awami League, under Hasina’s leadership, has been largely fragmented, with the prime minister and other high-ranking officials either exiled or evading authorities.

    In the upcoming elections, the BNP’s main competitors are expected to be a newly formed student group by Islam, the Jatiya Nagorik Party, or the National Citizen Party. Student leaders have voiced that the people of Bangladesh are weary of the traditional parties and are seeking change.

    However, Khan highlighted that internal surveys conducted by the BNP reveal they would secure a clear majority in any election held in the next year. He also indicated that acting party president Tarique Rahman would return to Dhaka from his self-imposed exile in London following an announcement of elections.

    In recent months, several court rulings against him and his mother, former prime minister Khaleda Zia, have been lifted, potentially allowing his return.

    Zia, who is dealing with liver cirrhosis and heart complications, has been recuperating in London since January. Khan noted, “she is doing much better than during her time in Bangladesh,” but he does not expect her to step back into active politics.

    Currently, Khan stated that the BNP does not foresee entering the elections as part of any coalition, but is open to collaborating with other parties, including the Jatiya Nagorik Party, post-election.

    “After the elections, we would be willing to form a government with anyone who supports democracy,” he concluded.