. Analysis:
By Naem Nizam
New Delhi/Dhaka, Feb 15 (.) Riding on a landslide victory, Tarique Rahman is set to assume the reins of power in Bangladesh. His party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), has secured a single-party majority, while the far-right Jamaat-e-Islami is poised to sit in the opposition.
Bangladesh appears poised for a political transition as the era associated with Muhammad Yunus draws to a close, with preparations underway for the formation of a new government under the leadership of BNP chief Tarique Rahman.
Despite controversies surrounding voter turnout figures in certain constituencies, debates over the proportion of ‘yes’ and ‘no’ votes, and questions regarding last-minute victories by Jamaat-e-Islami and the NCP in a few seats, the country is embarking on what many observers describe as a new political chapter.
Riding on a landslide mandate, Rahman is set to assume office as Prime Minister, with expectations high both domestically and internationally.
Political discourse across Bangladesh now centres on the direction his leadership will take. A key question is whether Rahman can unify a politically polarised nation and steer it away from what critics describe as a drift towards ideological extremism during the Yunus-led administration.
The election outcome has also redrawn opposition dynamics. While the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami were once allies against the Awami League, Jamaat now occupies the opposition benches. The Awami League, led by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, was barred from contesting the election through an executive order issued during the Yunus administration. Its ally, the Jatiya Party, participated but failed to secure any seats, performing poorly even in its traditional strongholds such as Rangpur.
In Khulna, long regarded as an Awami League bastion, Jamaat made notable gains. Although the Awami League boycotted the polls, a section of its supporters reportedly cast votes in favour of either the BNP or Jamaat.
Analysts suggest the results reflect a preference among voters for centrist politics, with both far-right and leftist forces failing to secure decisive public backing. Leaders of the Communist Party reportedly received fewer than a thousand votes each. The election, described as relatively peaceful, recorded a turnout of 59.44 per cent.
While Jamaat had hoped to play a larger role in government formation, the BNP’s decisive victory appears to have curtailed such ambitions. Historically, Jamaat has never come close to forming a government independently, though it was part of the BNP-led coalition in 2001 and held two ministerial portfolios.
Rahman, who has led the BNP from abroad for the past 15 years, is widely credited within his party for consolidating support and steering it back to power. With the mandate secured, expectations have risen sharply regarding his ability to restore political stability and economic confidence.
Observers outline four immediate challenges before the incoming administration.
First, the restoration of the rule of law. Allegations of mob violence, land grabs, arson, extortion and attacks on minorities and dissenters have surfaced over the past 18 months. Many citizens seek stability and predictability, making law and order an urgent priority.
Second, economic recovery. Bangladesh’s financial sector is under strain, with pressure in banking and exports, particularly in the readymade garments sector. Restoring investor confidence and ensuring a stable business environment will be crucial.
Third, recalibrating foreign relations. Critics argue that diplomatic missteps during the previous administration strained ties with several countries. Addressing visa-related complexities and reviving overseas employment markets will require proactive diplomacy, particularly with neighbouring states.
Fourth, internal party discipline. Allegations of local-level excesses and organisational indiscipline may require firm corrective measures to ensure smooth governance. Rahman has signalled conciliatory intent.
In pre-election interviews with foreign media, he indicated that members of Sheikh Hasina’s family would not be barred from political participation. He has also emphasised prioritising constructive relations with neighbouring countries.
Political commentators note that Bangladesh stands at a delicate juncture. Calls are growing for inclusive politics, tolerance, and democratic coexistence rather than retributive approaches. While accountability for past wrongdoing remains essential, collective punishment would be counterproductive, analysts suggest.
As Bangladesh enters this new phase, the BNP’s stewardship will be closely watched. Whether the new administration can translate its electoral mandate into effective governance will shape not only the country’s domestic trajectory but also its standing in the wider South Asian region.
(The author is former Editor of ‘Bangladesh Pratidin’. Views are personal.)
