BANGLADESH POLLS HIGHLIGHTS: BNP INCHES TOWARDS MAJORITY, JAMAAT BAGS 34; TARIQUE RAHMAN WINS 2 SEATS

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Bangladesh election result 2026 live updates: Here are the key updates to know so far:

• The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) led by Tarique Rahman is heading for a thumping win in the first elections held since a deadly 2024 uprising, Bangladeshi TV stations projected Friday.
• Senior BNP leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, in a party statement, claimed a "sweeping victory", without giving figures, calling for followers to give thanks in prayer on Friday rather than celebrate on the streets.
• The Islamist-led coalition headed by Jamaat-e-Islami had won 63 seats, the stations projected, a huge leap from its past results but far short of the outright win it had campaigned for.
• The results are not official and counting continues for a total of the 299 constituencies of 300 in which voting took place.

BNP is increasingly marching towards majority mark in Bangladesh, having now won 135 seats, more than 100 ahead of their nearest rivals, the Jamaat-e-Islami alliance, who have 34. Rest of the five out of the 174 seats where the result has been announced have gone to others.

With results of more than half of the 300 seats announced, the BNP is inching closer to the majority mark in Bangladesh. The party has won 127 out of the 165 seats where the results have been confirmed, the Daily Star reported.

Jamaat-e-Islami and its allies have won 34 seats while 4 seats have gone to others so far.

BNP is headed for a landslide win in the first election in Bangladesh after Sheikh Hasina's ouster in August 2024, local TV projections show.

The BNP has crossed the 100 mark in terms of wins, so far bagging 107 seats out of 139 results announced. Jamaat-e-Islami has also added to their wins, bagging 28 seats while others have now won four.

The BNP has now won 99 seats and is inching ever closer to the majority mark of 151. Jamaat-e-Islami, however, is still stuck on 23 as results for 125 seats has been declared. Others have also not added anything to their previous tally of three so far.

The BNP win tally has gone up to 91 seats, while their nearest rival, Jamaat-e-Islami has won 23 seats. These wins have come out of 117 seats on which the results have been announced so far. Others tally remains at three.

The BNP win tally has gone up to 87 seats, while their nearest rival, Jamaat-e-Islami has won 18 seats. These wins have come out of 108 seats on which the results have been announced so far. Others tally remains at three.

The BNP is closing in on the halfway mark in the Bangladesh election, with the party tally now standing at 82. The results for 102 seats have been announced, with Jamaat-e-Islami winning 17 seats so far. Others have won just three seats.

The BNP and its allies will now have at least 72 members in the next parliament, with the party poised to win a lot more. Jamaat-e-Islami has so far won 16 seats out of the 91 where the results have been announced. Others have won 3 seats so far.

The referendum on the July Charter has sailed through, with more than 72 per cent of voters approving it, results show.

The BNP has now won 68 seats in the Bangladesh elections, out of the 85 seats for which results have been announced so far. Jamaat-e-Islami is a far distant second at the moment with 15 seats won. Others have so far won two seats.

With the Bangladesh Nationalist Party poised to win the 13th national election, its leadership has called for restraint and nationwide prayers rather than public celebrations.

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman has directed leaders and activists at all organisational tiers to offer special prayers across the country after Juma prayers today.

He has also asked party leaders and supporters not to organise any victory rallies or gatherings anywhere in the country.

BNP tally of wins now stands at 57, with 70 results announced so far in the historic Bangladesh elections. Jamaat-e-Islami has added a couple more seats to its tally, bringing its total to 13 wins. Independents have won two seats so far, the Daily Star reported.

BNP's tally of wins has shot up to 55, with results from 67 seats declared so far. Its nearest rival, Jamaat-e-Islami, has raised its tally to 11, while an independent candidate has won one seat.

At least nine people, including a leader of Bangladesh Nationalist party (BNP), a presiding officer, and a polling officer died on the day of voting for the 13th parliamentary elections at various locations across the country.

Some of them fell ill at polling centres, some on their way after voting, and some while performing their duties at the centres. In some cases, allegations and counter-allegations have also arisen regarding the deaths.

The BNP has so far won 46 of the 56 seats where the results have been declared. of the others, 9 have gone to its nearest rival, Jamaat-e-Islami, while the other one went to an independent, the Daily Star reported.

Tarique Rahman has pledged to recalibrate Bangladesh’s international partnerships to attract investment without tying the country too closely to any single power, in contrast to ousted PM Sheikh Hasina, who was seen as aligned with New Delhi.

He has also highlighted expanding financial aid for poor families, reducing reliance on garment exports by promoting industries such as toys and leather goods, and introducing a two-term, 10-year limit for prime ministers to deter autocratic tendencies.

The BNP has won 37 seats out of the 46 results announced so far, the Daily Star reported. Jamaat-e-Islami has so far won 9 seats.

BNP is increasing its tally with every result announcement, winning 32 of the 40 seats declared so far. Its nearest rival, Jamaat-e-Islami, has so far won 8 seats.

In unofficial results reported by the news agency PTI, Bangladesh Election Commission officials said BNP chairman and former premier Khaleda Zia's son, Tarique Rahman, won from both the Dhaka-17 and Bogra-6 constituencies.

According to results announced by the office of the District Returning Officer and Deputy Commissioner Md Taufiqur Rahman, tallies from 150 polling centres have been completed. The Bogura-6 constituency has a total of 151 voting centres, including postal ballots.

As per the provisional figures, Tarique Rahman, contesting with the sheaf of paddy symbol, secured 216,284 votes, the Daily Star reported. His closest contender, Abidur Rahman Sohel of Jamaat-e-Islami, who contested with the scales symbol, received 97,626 votes.

The chief of Bangladesh's Islamist Jamaat-e-Islami party said on Thursday that his party would not engage in "politics of opposition" for the sake of it, an indication that he was conceding the national election as votes were being counted.

"We will do positive politics," Shafiqur Rahman told reporters, as the rival Bangladesh Nationalist Party was inching closer to the halfway mark of 151 in the legislature of 300 members.

Of the 21 results announced officially so far, BNP has won 19 seats. Its one-time ally, Jamaat-e-Islami, has won 2 seats.

According to official results, BNP has so far won 12 of the 14 seats where the results have been declared.

Jamaat-e-Islami has won 2 seats so far.

The results on 285 seats is yet to be announced.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) appears to have the edge over its once ally, Jamaat-e-Islami, in the crucial general elections on Thursday to elect a new government to replace the interim administration, which took charge after the collapse of the Awami League regime in August 2024.

According to a PTI report, early results gave the BNP an edge, with its nominees leading in over 175 seats, while Jamaat candidates led in 30 seats.

BNP candidate and former attorney general Md Asaduzzaman has won from the Jhenaidah-1 (Shailkupa) constituency in the 13th National Parliamentary Election.

Asaduzzaman secured 171,756 votes, while his nearest rival, Jamaat candidate Matiur Rahman, obtained 55,930 votes.

Assistant Returning Officer and Shailkupa Upazila Nirbahi Officer Mahfuzur Rahman confirmed the result to The Daily Star

In Barishal-5 (Sadar–City Corporation) constituency, results from 122 out of 176 centres show BNP candidate Md. Mojibur Rahman Sarwar is leading. He has received 87,483 votes with the paddy sheaf symbol.

Islami Andolon candidate, senior Naib-e-Amir Syed Mohammad Faizul Karim, has secured 18,162 votes. Bangladesh Socialist Party (BASAD) candidate Monisha Chakraborty has received 14,610 votes.

Cox’s Bazar-1

Total centres: 177

Results announced: 107

Leading: Salauddin Ahmed (BNP) with 137,325 votes

Nearest rival: Abdullah Al Faruk (Jamaat-e-Islami) with 74,651 votes

In Sunamganj-1 (Dharmapasha and Tahirpur) Constituency, BNP’s Kamruzzaman Kamrul has been declared the winner with 34,941 votes. His closest rival, Jamaat’s Tofail Ahmed, has received 20,040 votes.

According to news outlet Prothomalo, the result was confirmed by Assistant Returning Officer Jony Roy.

Bangladesh election result 2026 live updates: Supporters of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party were seen celebrating in a video shared by the party on its Facebook page.

Bangladesh election result 2026 live updates: BNP's Abul Kalam Azad Siddiqui in Tangail-7 constituency won he seat with whopping 141,253 votes, while his nearest rival, Jamaat-e-Islami's Abdullah Talukdar, secured 71,040 votes.

Bangladesh election result 2026 live updates: Tarique Rahman-led BNP is leading 50 seats, followed by Jamaat in 18, Reuters reported citing local TV news. Bangladesh's parliament, the Jatiya Sangsad, has 300 seats, with 151 required for a simple majority.

Bangladesh election result 2026 live updates: Tarique Rahman-led BNP is leading on four out of five constituencies in Netrokona district, according to Daily Star. Jamaat is leading in the remaining one constituency.

Bangladesh election result 2026 live updates: BNP's Asaduzzaman has won the Jhenaidah-1 constituency by securing 171,598 votes, the Daily Star reported. His nearest rival is Jamaat candidate Matiur Rahman who secured 55,930 votes.

Bangladesh election result 2026 live updates: BNP candidates, including chairman Tarique Rahman, are leading on all seven constituencies in Bogura, Prothom Alo reported. Rahman is ahead by a margin of two to one in Bogura-6 (Sadar) in the numbers received so far.

Bangladesh election result 2026 live updates: An independent female candidate was allegedly assaulted in Rajshahi‑3 constituency during polling on Thursday. Habiba Begum, the female candidate, was assaulted in front of a polling centre during voting, Daily Star reported. She was slapped multiple times after which she fell on the ground, and was hit again as she tried to stand up, the report said.

Bangladesh election result 2026 live updates: BNP chairman and son former prime minister Khaleda Zia returned home after almost 17 years of self-imposed exile in December, weeks before Zia passed away. Often known as Bangladesh's “dark prince” for being mostly behind the scenes for his mother, he now has a role to play as Dhaka hopes to move towards stability after nearly two years of its latest political turmoil. Read full story here

Bangladesh election result 2026 live updates: BNP chairman Tarique Rahman secured the Dhaka-17 and Bogra-6 constituencies, Dhaka Tribune reported, citing Shairul Kabir Khan of BNP's media cell.

Bangladesh election result 2026 live updates: BNP's Tarique Rahman is making some early gains as counting is currently underway. In Bogra-6 constituency, Rahman is leading by more than double the votes of his nearest rival, Prothom Alo reported.

Bangladesh election result 2026 live updates: The BNP has blamed its rival parties for low voter turnout on account of their "misleading activities". BNP's Mahdi Amin alleged that rival parties threatened voters and discouraged them from coming to the polling centres. "If these unfortunate incidents had not happened, voter turnout might have been higher,” he was quoted as saying by Daily Star.

Bangladesh election result 2026 live updates: Tarique Rahman-led BNP has said the party's victory is ‘inevitable’. “The reality is that BNP’s victory is inevitable and clear. We firmly believe that no evil attempt to weaken it will succeed,” BNP's Mahdi Amin was quoted as saying by Daily Star.

Bangladesh election result 2026 live updates: As the counting in underway, Jamaat-e-Islami leader Shafiqur Rahman has said the party will would accept the results even if others don't. “If voting continues the way it has so far, and if there is no major interference, then whether others accept the results or not, we will accept it, In sha Allah,” he was quoted as saying by Daily Star. “It would not be appropriate for us to make any advance comment at this stage,” he said.

Bangladesh election result 2026 live updates: Brought to the forefront as the face of the appeal for peace in 2024 amid the violent student uprising, Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus, the chief adviser of the interim government, is one of the most important figures of the Bangladesh elections 2025, the first general polls since the ouster of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina. Bangladesh, over a year after the student uprising brought Sheikh Hasina to India in exile and Yunus to Dhaka to head the government on an interim basis, stands at a historic crossroads.

Yunus has consistently emphasised that his role is to oversee a smooth transition to an elected government, not to remain a political figure beyond the polls. He has publicly stated he has "no desire to be part of the next elected government" and that neither he nor his advisers intend to retain power after the vote. What lies ahead for Yunus? Read complete analysis here

Bangladesh election result 2026 live updates: Ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina who is currently in exile termed the polls as a farce and said that voter turnout was negligible. “Today’s so-called election by Yunus, who seized power illegally and unconstitutionally, was essentially a well-planned farce. The people’s voting rights, democratic values, and the spirit of the Constitution were completely disregarded in this deceptive, voter-less election conducted without the Awami League,” she said in a statement posted by her party on X.

Bangladesh election result 2026 live updates: As the counting ins currently underway for the Bangladesh national polls, the Election Commission has said that the first significant results may be available overnight. The counting of votes began after voting concluded at 4:30 pm (local time). However, in places where voters are in line inside the polling station, voting will continue until they vote.

Bangladesh election result 2026 live updates: Four people reportedly died during polling on Thursday across four districts. The deaths were reported from Khulna, Manikganj, Kishoreganj, and Brahmanbaria, according to the Daily Star.

Bangladesh election result 2026 live updates: The voters in Bangladesh on Thursday cast their votes not only for a fresh government, but also for the National Referendum which decides if the July Charter will be adopted or not. The July National Charter - named after the student uprising of July 2024 - outlines plans for constitutional amendments, legal changes and new legislation. A National Consensus Commission formed by the Yunus-led interim government prepared the charter after consultations with major political parties, except Hasina’s Awami League. Yunus announced the July National Charter at a ceremony on October 17, following extended consultations between political parties and the National Consensus Commission he headed. He described the charter as a move toward a “civilised society from barbarism.”

Votes for the government are in white ballot and in pink for the National Referendum.

Bangladesh election result 2026 live updates: With Sheikh Hasina's Awami League out of the fight after poll ban last year, the election is a direct contest between Tarique Rahman's BNP and the 11-party coalition led by the Jamaat-e-Islami which itself faced election ban for a long time.

Bangladesh election result 2026 live updates: Bangladesh Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus hailed people for peaceful elections. "The spontaneous participation of voters, the responsible conduct of political parties, the restraint shown by candidates, and the professionalism of all institutions involved in the electoral process collectively demonstrated that our commitment to democracy remains unwavering," he was quoted as saying by Daily Star.

Bangladesh election result 2026 live updates: The Jamaat-e-Islami-led alliance has called the voting as “excellent" and expressed hopes of winning a “landslide victory”, according to The Daily Star. The alliance expressed confidence over winning “highest number” of seats, despite alleging some isolated incidents of violence and irregularities.

Bangladesh election result 2026 live updates: Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina also hit out at the Bangladesh polls, saying the low turnout shows that the people rejected the election.

“According to the Election Commission’s briefing, by 11 a.m. - just three and a half hours into voting - only 14.96% of eligible voters had participated. This extremely low turnout clearly shows that the Awami League–free election was widely rejected by the people,” Hasina said in a statement.

Bangladesh election result 2026 live updates: Former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina has called the Bangladesh polls a “well-planned farce”. In a statement after the polls concluded, Hasina said the voting rights, democratic values, and the spirit of the Constitution were completely disregarded in the election conducted without the Awami League.

Bangladesh election result 2026 live updates: The Jamaat-e-Islami party led by Shafiqur Rahman is one of the key parties in this election. The party was banned from elections during 2014, 2018 and 2024, according to bdnews24.

Bangladesh election result 2026 live updates: Here is what numbers say know about the key Bangladesh elections:

• 47.91% voter turnout recorded till 2pm
• Voting was held at 36,031 centres across country
• More than 127 million people were eligible to vote
• A total of 1,981 candidates are in the fray

Bangladesh election result 2026 live updates: The Election Commission of Bangladesh has said that it is yet to receive voter turnout data from 6,620 polling centres, Daily Star reported.

Bangladesh election 2026 live updates: After the voting concluded, Bangladesh, Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus praised the voters for their participation in the elections. “The spontaneous participation of voters, the responsible conduct of political parties, the restraint of candidates and the professionalism of all institutions related to the election—this combined effort has proven that our commitment to democracy remains firm. By exercising their constitutional rights, the people have played an active role in determining the future of the country," he was quoted as saying by Dhaka Tribune.

Bangladesh election 2026 live updates: One of the key factor that differentiates today's elections with the past one's is the absence of Sheikh Hasina and her Awami League party that was banned from elections following her ouster in 2024. The past elections have been a direct contest between Awami League and late Khaleda Zia's BNP. Her son Tarique Rahman is the face of the party now after Zia passed away in December. With Awami League out of contest, BNP is facing Jamaat-e-Islami as a key rival.

Bangladesh election 2026 live updates: Jamaat-e-Islami and BNP, the two prominent parties in the Bangladesh elections have alleged irregularities in the voting process with Jamaat's Shafiqur Rahman alleging that attempts are being made to cast fake votes, Daily Star reported. BNP's Tarique Rahman referred also said some “unwanted incidents” and attempts to mislead voters had been observed.

Bangladesh election 2026 live updates: While the voting has concluded for the 13th general elections in Bangladesh, the final results are most likely to be declared on Friday, February 13.

Bangladesh election 2026 live updates: Corruption, employment, inflation and economic development are some of the key issues in the crucial elections being held for the first time since Sheikh Hasina's ouster following student-led uprising of 2024.

Bangladesh election 2026 live updates: For the first time in 30 years, the legacy political party, the Awami League, was absent from the ballot for Bangladesh's general elections. Key polls were held in Bangladesh on Thursday that will shape the trajectory of the nation as it reels from nearly two years of political turmoil. The election also marked the first since the 2024 student-led movement toppled the Sheikh Hasina government, prompting the former prime minister to flee to India. Read more about Awami League's absence from polls

Bangladesh election 2026 live updates: Voting for the 13th general elections concluded at 4:30pm (Bangladesh time) on Thursday. The polling went largely violence-free. However, crude bomb blasts were reported from Munshiganj and Gopalganj areas, injuring three people. A BNP leader also died after a scuffle with rival Jamaat leader supporters.

Bangladesh election 2026 live updates: Voting for the 13th national elections in Bangladesh ended at 4:30 pm (Bangladesh local time) with a voter turnout of 47.91% at 2pm, Daily Star reported, citing poll body officials.

Bangladesh election 2026 live updates: Five people have reportedly been held following a crude bomb blast at a polling station in Munshiganj. The arrests were confirmed by Bangladesh Army officials, the Daily Star reported.

Bangladesh election 2026 live updates: Bangladesh Chief Adviser described the election day as a day of ‘great joy’. “This is a day of great joy. Today is the birthday of a new Bangladesh. We will celebrate this birthday throughout the day,” he said after casting his vote on Thursday morning.

Bangladesh election 2026 live updates: Two people were detained after over a hundred ballot papers stamped for the sheaf of paddy symbol from a polling centre in Sherpur were recovered, Daily Star reported. “The incident occurred around 9:30am at Dakshin Nalbaid Government Primary School polling centre under Char Mochharia Union of Sherpur Sadar upazila. Two BNP supporters allegedly collected over a hundred ballot papers and stamped them in favour of the sheaf of paddy symbol,” District Election Officer Jahangir Hossain was quoted as saying.

Bangladesh election 2026 live updates: BNP leader Tarique Rahman said the party would accept the result if the the election is free and fair. “If the election is free, if it is fair, if it is without controversy, then why would we not accept it? Of course we will accept it. All parties will accept it,” he was quoted as saying by the Daily Star.

Bangladesh election 2026 live updates: Chief of Jamaat Islami party, Shafiqur Rahman, praised the army for maintaining law and order during the voting on Thursday, Dhaka Tribune reported. “In several places, BNP supporters tried to take control of centres. However, the army freed those centres within a short time. The role of the army across the country is commendable,” Rahman was quoted as saying.

Bangladesh election 2026 live updates: Voting is currently underway amid heightened security for the 13th general elections in Bangladesh. This is the first time elections are being held here after the Gen Z protests of 2024 which led to the ouster of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina who held the top post for almost 16 years before being forced into exile to India.

Bangladesh election 2026 live updates: A polling officer has died after falling ill during voting at a centre Brahmanbaria city, the Dhaka Tribune reported. The deceased officer has been identified as 48-year-old Mojahidul Islam.

Bangladesh election 2026 live updates: Twenty-three people were injured after clashes broke out between BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami supporters in Meherpur amid vote obstruction allegations, bdnews24 reported.

“Upon receiving information about the clash between BNP and Jamaat, the police rushed to the spot and brought the situation under control. Three Jamaat supporters were arrested on the spot and taken to the police station. The situation is currently calm, and voting is going on without any problems,” Mujibnagar police station chief Zahidul Islam was quoted as saying by the outlet.

Bangladesh election 2026 live updates: The top leaders of Bangladesh's two major contending parties, as well as interim chief Muhammad Yunus, cast their ballots early on Thursday as voting began in the country's 13th parliamentary elections.

Voting began in 299 out of 300 parliamentary constituencies across the country at 7:30 am (local time) and will continue until 4:30 pm local time.

Bangladesh election 2026 live updates: Hindus in Dhaka-6 constituency came forward to assert and exercise their democratic rights and franchise in today's crucial national election, visuals shared by news agency PTI showed.

The vote is taking place under an interim government headed by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus, which has said it is committed to delivering a credible and transparent election. As part of that effort, around 500 international observers and foreign journalists will be present, including delegations from the European Union and the Commonwealth, to which Bangladesh belongs.

Bangladesh election 2026 live updates: For the first time in 30 years, the election symbol of deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina's Awami League – boat – has not appeared on the ballot paper in Bangladesh's crucial general election, voting for which is being held on Thursday.

This is the first election since Hasina was ousted after massive nationwide protests in August 2024.

One of the country's oldest political parties, the Awami League, has boycotted parliamentary elections twice in the past. This time, however, it is unable to take part at all, as its registration remains suspended.

Bangladesh election 2026 live updates: There have been reports of electoral violence from multiple places in Bangladesh.

In Gopalganj, three persons, including a 13-year-old girl, have been injured in an alleged hand bomb attack at a polling station, BDnews24 reported.

In a separate incident, a series of hand bomb explosions have taken place outside a polling station in the Munshiganj-3 constituency, temporarily disrupting voting.

Also, a BNP leader has died during an altercation with Jamaat-e-Islami activists outside a polling centre in Khulna.

Bangladesh election 2026 live updates: The overall voter turnout stood at 32.88 per cent across 32,789 polling centres till 12:00pm, EC senior secretary Akhtar Ahmed was quoted as saying by Prothom Alo.

The voting began at 7:30 am local time (07:00 IST) and will end at 4:30 pm local time (16:00 IST).

Bangladesh election 2026 live updates: The body of a 28-year-old tea worker was reportedly recovered from a garden in northeastern Bangladesh on the eve of the election, police said on Wednesday.

The deceased was identified as Ratan Shuvo Kar, a worker at Champara Tea Garden under Islampur union in Moulvibazar’s Kamalganj upazila, about 190 km from the capital Dhaka, reported Bangladesh daily The Daily Star, Kamalganj Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Abdul Awal.

Bangladesh election 2026 live updates: The overall voter turnout stands at 32.88 per cent across 32,789 polling centres till 12:00pm, election commission senior secretary Akhtar Ahmed was quoted as saying by Prothom Alo.

Bangladesh voted Thursday in its first election since a deadly 2024 uprising, as parties crushed under Sheikh Hasina's rule return to the fray with a powerful political heir facing an Islamist-led coalition.

Bangladesh election 2026 live updates: Returning officers in Bangladesh have received 1.12 million ballots from both overseas and domestic electors, bdnews24 reported.

By 1pm on Thursday, 1,125,382 ballots arrived, including 488,281 from overseas and 637,101 from within the country, the report said.

Bangladesh election 2026 live updates: In past elections, unofficial trends have usually started coming in early the next morning.

However, ECB officials told local media that the count could take longer this year. The process will include both the white parliamentary ballot papers and the pink ballots used for the referendum on the July National Charter.

Bangladesh election 2026 live updates: BNP leader Mohibuzzaman Kochi died during a confrontation with Jamaat-e-Islami supporters outside a polling centre in Khulna city of the country, bdnews24 reported.

The party claimed that he died after a Jamaat leader “pushed him” towards a tree. Meanwhile, Jamaat centre director Mahbubur Rahman said, “The BNP people were throwing out our female workers. I stopped them. Then one of them fell ill. I heard later on that he died.”

Bangladesh election 2026 live updates: National Citizen Party (NCP) leader Nahid Islam, who was often at the forefront of marches and protests during Sheikh Hasina's regime, is confident of his party's victory in the elections. Notably, NCP is contesting in alliance with Jamaat-e-Islami.

“The 11-party alliance has been formed with the goal of forming the government. We believe we are on the brink of forming the government,” he was quoted as saying by Prothom Alo.

Bangladesh election 2026 live updates: Bangladesh, which has a history of violent coups, authoritarian rule and political exile, is not only voting for its next government on Thursday but also taking part in a national referendum to decide whether the July National Charter should be adopted.

The 'July Charter' lays out reforms for good governance, democracy, and social justice through institutional reforms, and to prevent “recurrence of authoritarian and fascist rule”, according to news agency Reuters.

“If the ‘Yes’ vote wins in the referendum, Bangladesh’s future will be built in a more positive way,” Yunus was quoted as saying, adding that a “Yes” verdict would help keep “misrule” away. His administration has actively campaigned to build public support for the 84-point reform package in the run-up to the elections.

The July National Charter - named after the student uprising of July 2024 - outlines plans for constitutional amendments, legal changes and new legislation. A National Consensus Commission formed by the Yunus-led interim government prepared the charter after consultations with major political parties, except Hasina’s Awami League. Full story here.

Bangladesh election 2026 live updates: Khaleduz Zaman, Jamaat-e-Islami candidate, who is running against BNP leader Tarique Rahman, alleged discrepancies in the voting process.

Speaking to news agency ANI, he said, “The situation is not good because without a polling agent, in a separate room, someone is sealing the papers. It is totally disappointing. I have seen this in some places. We were hopeful that Jamaat-e-Islami would win the election, but if this happens, how can we have hopes…”

Responding to the claims, Zubair, a member of BNP's student wing ( Bangladesh Jatiotabadi Chatra Dal), said that the situation is “two-sided” and that they were trying to control it.

“…Jamaat-e-Islami, is trying to disrupt it. We have evidence that they're outcasting, misleading voters at the vote centres, and committing criminal activities there. They are casting illegal votes also... The new generation's expectations fully meet the BNP's expectations and are also in conflict with the demands of Jamaat-e-Islami... They're actually an underground party... They do not actually have the right to participate in the National Assembly,” he told ANI.

Bangladesh election 2026 live updates: BNP leader Tarique Rahman, who has emerged as the frontrunner, cast his vote at the Gulshan Model School and College centre in Dhaka on Thursday.

After casting his vote, he said, “I have exercised my constitutional right to vote. For more than a decade, the people of Bangladesh have been waiting for this day.”

If elected to power, he said, the party will “lay priority to improving law and order in the country so that people feel secure.”

Bangladesh election 2026 live updates: The Border Security Force (BSF) is on high alert at the Fulbari Integrated Check Post (ICP) along the Indo-Bangladesh border in West Bengal's Jalpaiguri as the 13th Parliamentary elections are underway in Bangladesh.

More than 127 million people are eligible to vote in Bangladesh’s first election since former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government collapsed in 2024 after weeks of mass protests. Hasina fled the country and her party is banned from the polls. She is living in exile in India.

Bangladesh election 2026 live updates: Three people, including a teenage girl, were injured after a crude bomb went off at a polling centre in Gopalganj city, which is former PM Sheikh Hasina and her party Awami League's former stronghold, on Thursday, Bangladesh's The Business Standard reported.

The presiding officer said the injuries were minor. Polling at the centre continued without disruption despite the blast, the report said.

Bangladesh election 2026 live updates: For decades, relations between India and Bangladesh ebbed and flowed with electoral tides. Hasina’s Awami League generally maintained close ties with New Delhi. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its sometime-ally Jamaat-e-Islami charted a different course, one viewed with wariness in Indian corridors of power due to their perceived pro-Pakistan orientation and Islamist views.

The aftermath of Hasina's departure also brought fresh turmoil for religious minorities in the Muslim-majority country. The Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council documented over 2,000 incidents of communal violence between August and December 2024, according to the Associated Press.

When the BNP unveiled its 51-point manifesto on February 6, the principle it cited was ‘Bangladesh Before All’. Rahman struck a conciliatory tone for domestic audiences: "The BNP believes not in revenge, but in a politics of justice and humanity. The rights of the people, not power, are at the core of our politics. Production, not plunder; rights, not fear; fairness, not discrimination — these are the principles that will guide the governance of the state."

The election campaign in Bangladesh reflects this situation too. The Awami League's registration and electoral activities have been suspended. Around five dozen registered political parties are participating. Read full story here.

Bangladesh election 2026 live updates: Early reports from Bangladesh's The Business Standard, confirmed by election officials, showed that voter turnout in several Dhaka constituencies ranged between 3% and 13% in the first two hours of polling.

The report said the highest early turnout was recorded at Holy Crescent International School and College in Dhaka-9. By 9:30 am, 13% of the 3,212 registered voters there had cast their ballots.

Bangladesh election 2026 live updates: Bangladesh chief adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus casted his vote at 10:26 am at Gulshan Model High School and College in Dhaka.

Speaking to the media after casting his vote, Yunus described the day as one of “great joy,” calling it “the birthday of the new Bangladesh", Dhaka Tribune reported.

Bangladesh election 2026 live updates: Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson Tarique Rahman cast his vote on Thursday as voting got underway in Bangladesh's 13th parliamentary elections. Rahman urged people to exercise their right to vote and expressed optimism for the victory of BNP in the elections.

Immediately after casting his vote Rahman said the BNP would prioritise law and order if voted to power.

"We will prioritise improving law and order in the country so that people feel secure if we can form the government," he said after casting his vote at Gulshan Model High School and College in Gulshan-2.

Bangladesh election 2026 live updates: There are very few voters at polling stations in Gopalganj, a former Awami League stronghold.

Gopalganj is the birthplace of Bangladesh’s former leader Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and his daughter, ousted former prime minister Sheikh Hasina.

The district has around a million voters, and polling agents are hoping for a turnout of about 50%. However, only a small number of people had arrived when polling centres were visited there this morning, BBC reported.

Despite the low presence, polling agents expect turnout to rise as the day moves forward.

Bangladesh election 2026 live updates: Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader Tarique Rahman cast his vote at Gulshan Model School and College centre in the Gulshan area of Dhaka.

The elections are the first since the August 2024 student-led uprising ousted former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, ending her 15-year autocratic rule.

Bangladesh election 2026 live updates: Tarique Rahman, chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and son of former prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia, arrived at the polling centre at Gulshan Model School and College in Dhaka to cast his vote in the 13th parliamentary elections.

Bangladesh election 2026 live updates: Tarique Rahman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party is among the frontrunners to form the next government.

He is the son of former prime minister Khaleda Zia. Rahman returned to Bangladesh in December after spending 17 years in self-imposed exile in London. He has promised to strengthen democratic institutions, bring back the rule of law and revive the struggling economy.

Bangladesh election 2026 live updates: The Jamaat-e-Islami party has nominated a Hindu candidate for the first time in its history.

Krishna Nandi is contesting as the party’s candidate from the Khulna-1 constituency in the 13th national election. In this Hindu-majority seat, Jamaat has selected Nandi, who heads the Dumuria unit of the party’s Hindu committee.

Bangladesh election 2026 live updates: Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League is banned, and she remains in self‑imposed exile in India.

Earlier, she criticised the vote after her party was prevented from contesting. In an email sent to The Associated Press earlier this month, she warned that Bangladesh could face long-term instability if the election is not inclusive, free and fair.

“Each time political participation is denied to a significant portion of the population, it deepens resentment, delegitimises institutions and creates the conditions for future instability," she wrote.

Bangladesh election 2026 live updates: Many of the young people who played a part in removing her government in the 2024 uprising believe this election will be the Muslim-majority nation’s first real contest since 2009, the year Hasina began her 15-year tenure.

The National Citizen Party, led by Gen Z activists under 30, has joined hands with Jamaat after it failed to turn its anti-Hasina street protests into broader voter support.

Bangladesh election live updates: Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami chief Shafiqur Rahman cast his ballot at around 8:30 am at the Manipur High School polling centre.

The 67-year-old Jamaat chief has run a focused grassroots campaign. If he wins, the former political prisoner could head the first Islamist-led government in constitutionally secular Bangladesh.

Bangladesh election live updates: Polling for the 13th parliamentary election has begun. Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, secretary general of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), voted at the Thakurgaon Government Girls’ High School polling centre, Prothom Alo reported.

He is contesting from the Thakurgaon-1 seat.

Bangladesh election 2026 live updates: Voting in Bangladesh’s general elections is in progress under strict security measures. The Election Commission has put extensive arrangements in place and deployed nearly 1 million security personnel, the highest number ever used for an election in the country.

The main fight is between the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its former ally Jamaat-e-Islami. The polls are being held without Sheikh Hasina’s disbanded Awami League. Last year, the interim administration led by chief adviser Muhammad Yunus dissolved the Awami League and stopped it from taking part in the election.

Bangladesh election 2026 live updates: Gazipur-2 has the highest number of voters in the 13th national parliamentary election, with 804,333 people registered to vote.

In comparison, Jhalakathi-1 has the lowest number, with 228,431 registered voters, Prothom Alo reported.

Bangladesh election 2026 live updates: Polling opened Thursday in Bangladesh's general elections, the first vote since the deadly 2024 uprising.

Speaking to news agency ANI, a voter said, “I came early this time, wishing to vote early. ..We're hoping that the voting will be free and fair...Hopefully, we will see some good candidates and people who will work for the nation. We'll have a corruption-free nation…”

Bangladesh election 2026 live updates: The voting started in 299 out of 300 parliamentary constituencies across the country from 7:30 am (local time) and will continue until 4:30 pm. The counting of votes is expected to begin shortly after the voting concludes.

Voting in one constituency has been cancelled due to the death of a candidate.

Bangladesh election 2026 live updates: AMM Nasir Uddin has termed today’s vote as one of the most important elections in Bangladesh’s history. He urged political parties, candidates and voters to behave in a responsible manner.

“Differences of opinion are natural in a democracy,” Nasir Uddin said in a televised message before polling began.

“With this in mind, come to the polling stations in a festive spirit [and] vote for your preferred candidate,” he said.

Bangladesh election 2026 live updates: Long lines of voters were seen at a polling station set up at Gulshan Model School and College in Dhaka. Security arrangements have been stepped up outside the centre.

Polling for the 13th Parliamentary elections has started.

Bangladesh election 2026 live updates: Voting has begun in Bangladesh's crucial parliamentary elections.

The voting started in 299 out of 300 parliamentary constituencies across the country from 7:30 am (local time) and will continue until 4:30 pm. The counting of votes is expected to begin shortly after the voting concludes.

Bangladesh election 2026 live updates: Bangladesh election 2026 live updates: In past elections, unofficial trends have usually started coming in early the next morning.

However, ECB officials told local media that the count could take longer this year. The process will include both the white parliamentary ballot papers and the pink ballots used for the referendum on the July National Charter.

Bangladesh election 2026 live updates: A poll by the United States-based International Republican Institute, released in December 2025, showed the BNP at 33 per cent support.

The same survey placed Jamaat close behind at 29 per cent.

Bangladesh election 2026 live updates: The centre-right BNP heads a 10-party coalition and is led by Tarique Rahman. In December, the 60-year-old returned to Bangladesh after spending nearly 17 years in exile in London.

Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh (JIB), known as Jamaat, leads an 11-party alliance. The bloc includes the National Citizen Party (NCP), formed by students who organised protests against Hasina in 2024. The party is headed by 67-year-old Shafiqur Rahman.

Bangladesh election 2026 live updates: More than 127 million registered voters can cast their ballots at 42,766 polling centres across the country.

The BNP is largely viewed as the leading force in the race. However, it faces strong opposition from the alliance between Jamaat-e-Islami, the country’s biggest Islamist party, and the student-led National Citizen Party. Altogether, 51 political parties and around 2,000 candidates are in the contest.

The party that secures victory will take over from the interim administration headed by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus.

Bangladesh election 2026 live updates: Voting will start at 7:30 am (07:00 IST) today and end at 4:30 pm (16:00 IST).

Ballots will be cast at 42,761 polling centres spread across 64 districts, covering 300 parliamentary constituencies, according to the Election Commission of Bangladesh (ECB).

Bangladesh election 2026 live updates: Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League has been prevented from contesting after the Election Commission suspended its registration.

The interim cabinet, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, moved to ban the Awami League under the Anti-Terrorism Act. Bangladesh’s law affairs adviser Asif Nazrul announced the decision in May 2025.

Bangladesh election 2026 live updates: Bangladesh will hold its crucial parliamentary elections today, nearly 18 months after a student-led movement removed then prime minister Sheikh Hasina from office. Her government, led by the Awami League, fell, and an interim administration took over under chief adviser Muhammad Yunus.

BNP leader Tarique Rahman, son of former prime minister Khaleda Zia, is seen as a strong contender in what is considered one of the country’s most important elections. He could become prime minister and lead Bangladesh, as his parents once did.

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2026-02-12T00:13:55Z