Feb 14 • 11:45 UTC 🇶🇦 Qatar Al Jazeera

Bangladesh: Tariq Rahman pledges reform and the Islamic party promises constructive opposition

Tariq Rahman has pledged reforms as his party, the Bangladesh National Party, wins a decisive victory in recent elections, returning to power after almost two decades.

The Bangladeshi Election Commission has announced near-final results of the legislative elections indicating a decisive victory for the Bangladesh National Party (BNP), securing 212 out of 300 seats. This marks the party's return to power after nearly two decades, positioning Tariq Rahman to assume the office of Prime Minister. The election results reflect a significant shift in the political landscape of Bangladesh, reminiscent of the previous leadership period under Khaleda Zia from 1991 to 2006.

The rise of the Islamist coalition, which captured 77 seats, positions it as the primary opposition force in the new parliament, heralding a resurgence after decades of political dormancy. This election results not only signify a pivotal point for the BNP but also restore memories of its foundational years under Ziaur Rahman in 1979, creating expectations for a substantial political and economic change following a lengthy transitional period that began after the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during youth-led uprisings in 2024.

In his initial public statement post-election results, Tariq Rahman expressed his commitment to implementing reforms that respond to the needs of the Bangladeshi people. The anticipated changes are viewed positively among the populace, reflecting a growing demand for both political and economic renewal after years of turmoil, setting the stage for the BNP's new governance policies and their potential impact on the landscape of Bangladeshi politics.

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