The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by Tarique Rahman, has secured a landslide victory in the first parliamentary elections since the ousting of Sheikh Hasina. Unofficial counts show the BNP has already passed the 151-seat threshold required for a majority, returning to power after 20 years. Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India and the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka were among the first to congratulate Rahman, signaling a shift toward regional stability and a new democratic chapter for the nation.

While the election was largely peaceful, the Awami League (Hasina’s party) was barred from participating, leading her to label the vote "illegal" and "voterless" from abroad. The new BNP government faces a steep challenge in rebuilding the economy and fulfilling its pledge of "zero tolerance" toward corruption. In a show of restraint, the BNP has called for nationwide prayers rather than victory rallies to prevent further political clashes.