Feb 14 • 06:41 UTC 🇫🇷 France France24

Bangladesh's Tarique Rahman poised to become PM as Islamists concede defeat

Bangladesh Nationalist Party leader Tarique Rahman is set to become prime minister after the country's largest Islamist party conceded defeat in the recent elections.

In a significant political shift in Bangladesh, the country's largest Islamist party, Jamaat-e-Islami, has conceded defeat in the recent elections, paving the way for Tarique Rahman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) to assume the premiership. The concessions came despite initial accusations from Jamaat-e-Islami regarding irregularities in the vote count, underscoring the contentious atmosphere surrounding the elections. Rahman, who has spent 17 years in self-imposed exile, is expected to reclaim leadership as the BNP capitalizes on this electoral victory.

The Election Commission of Bangladesh published results indicating that Rahman's BNP won a substantial number of seats, enabling them to form a government and potentially altering the political landscape of the nation, which has been characterized by historical rivalries between Islamist parties and nationalist factions. Rahman's return from exile signals a dramatic turn in his political career and reflects the larger dynamics of Bangladeshi politics, which often involve polarizing debates around secularism versus religious influence in governance.

As Rahman prepares to take office, many observers are keenly watching how this government will address long-standing issues, including economic challenges, political stability, and relations with Islamist entities. The electoral victory signifies a potential reassertion of nationalist sentiments within Bangladesh, which could impact regional politics in South Asia, especially concerning issues surrounding extremism and democratic governance.

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