Bangladesh’s ‘Dark Prince’ Becomes New Prime Minister

India’s neighbouring country Bangladesh witnessed the first elections since the unceremonious exit of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled the country in August 2024 after mass uprising from students groups following her tumultuous rule after being in power for 15 years. 

As per preliminary media reports so far, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party has crossed the magic figure of 200 seats out of 300 and set for a landslide victory without needing any support from the coalition parties against the rival group Jamaat-e-Islami which is restricted to double digit seats. 

Led by Tarique Rahman, who had been in a self-imposed exile in London for several years, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is set to form the next government ending the two decade wait with a decisive mandate in these 13th general elections. 

The resounding victory of BNP is a pointer to the dramatic shift in the political trajectory and also ushers in a new dawn for the turmoil hit country which has seen a lot of public revolts after the exit of Sheikh Hasina. Her party Awami League has been banned from contesting in these elections. 

BNP chairman Tarique Rahman asked the supporters to refrain from any celebrations and victory rallies as a mark of respect for his mother and first woman Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Khaleda Zia, who died before the election. Instead of holding festivities, the party has urged supporters to offer prayers for her after the Friday congregational prayer. 

These elections are perceived as referendum to the much hyped ‘July National Charter’, which contains major reform proposals agreed to by the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government and several political parties. Among the points in the charter are limiting prime ministers to two terms (10 years), establishing an upper house of parliament, and restoring the caretaker system. 

Tarique Rahman returned to Bangladesh in December last year after staying in London for 17 years. He is set to be sworn in as the next Prime Minister in the coming days.