Bangladesh Election Results 2026 Live Updates: BNP to take over Dhaka reins after 20 years, Khaleda’s son set to be PM

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chairperson Tarique Rahman has claimed victory in Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary elections. Rahman, the son of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, formally assumed office as Chairman of the party on January 9, shortly after her passing.Rahman has requested that celebrations of the party’s victory be postponed out of respect for his mother, Khaleda Zia, who passed away before the election. The party has instead called for prayers for Khaleda Zia following the Friday congregational prayer.The 13th parliamentary elections mark a pivotal moment in Bangladesh’s political landscape as the country enters a new phase. Voters turned out early on election day, forming long queues outside polling stations from as early as 6 am (local time), signaling strong public anticipation and hopes for a transparent electoral process.The elections come amid significant political change, following the death of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and the continued ban on her long-time rival Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League party.