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DHAKA:  The alliance led by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has taken a commanding lead in Bangladesh’s parliamentary election vote count, winning 212 constituencies so far, according to unofficial results.

Unofficial tallies indicate the alliance headed by Jamaat-e-Islami has secured 70 seats, while independent candidates and smaller parties have collectively won around six. Counting is still underway and official results are yet to be announced by the Bangladesh Election Commission.

BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman is expected to lead the new government. The election was the first national vote since political unrest in 2024 led to the exit of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina from power.
Hasina’s Awami League has questioned the credibility of the election and called for a fresh vote, alleging irregularities.

Rahman has also been unofficially declared elected from the Bogura-6 constituency after securing a decisive lead over his nearest rival. Local election authorities said counting from 150 of the constituency’s 151 polling centres, including postal ballots, had been completed.

BNP chairman Tarique Rahman, whose party is expected to cross the majority mark required to form government, has asked supporters to postpone celebrations following the recent death of his mother, former prime minister Khaleda Zia. He called on party workers to offer prayers for her after Friday congregational prayers.

The election is widely seen as a pivotal political moment for Bangladesh, coming after the death of Zia and the ban on the Awami League, the party led by former prime minister Sheikh Hasina. Officials are expected to release certified nationwide results later Friday.