The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) won a two-thirds majority in Bangladesh's 2026 general elections held on February 12. Latest results showed BNP and its allies claimed at least 212 out of 299 seats, according to domestic TV channels. This election is seen as Bangladesh's first truly competitive vote in years. The opposition Jamaat-i-Islami and allies won 70 seats, with other parties sharing the remaining. The Election Commission gave BNP 181 seats, Jamaat-i-Islami 61, and others 7, with full official results expected later on February 13. The BNP returns to power after 20 years. The party requested special prayers but said, “Despite winning … by a large margin of votes, no celebratory procession or rally shall be organised.” The National Citizen Party, part of Jamaat’s alliance, won only 5 of the 30 seats it contested. This strong majority is hoped to bring political stability after months of anti-government unrest that disrupted daily life and key industries like garment exports. Selim Raihan, an economics professor, told Reuters, “A strong majority gives BNP the parliamentary strength to pass reforms efficiently and avoid legislative paralysis. That alone can create short-term political stability.” BNP leader Tarique Rahman, expected to be the next prime minister, returned to Dhaka in December after 18 years abroad. The BNP manifesto promises job creation, support for low-income and farmer households, and fair prices. Garment worker Josna Begum said, “If the factories run regularly and we get our wages on time, that’s what matters to us. I just want the BNP government to bring back stability so more orders come to Bangladesh and we can survive.” Jamaat-i-Islami conceded defeat but expressed dissatisfaction with the process, asking followers to be patient. Sheikh Hasina, the former PM ousted in 2024 and currently in exile, did not contest this election. The BNP’s win is one of its largest, exceeding its past 2001 victory. Thousands of BNP supporters celebrated at party headquarters overnight. Voter turnout was nearly 60%, up from 42% in the last election. Alongside the election, a referendum on constitutional reforms showed over 2 million voters supporting changes including two-term limits for PMs and stronger judicial independence. President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan congratulated BNP and Tarique Rahman. Zardari said, “Pakistan looks forward to working with the new government to strengthen cooperation in trade, defence, cultural exchanges, and regional forums.” India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi also congratulated the BNP, saying, “This victory shows the trust of the people of Bangladesh in your leadership. India will continue to stand in support of a democratic, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh.”