Eighteen months after street protests toppled a political titan, Bangladesh has delivered a political earthquake of its own.
The centre-right Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has stormed to a two-thirds majority.
It swept aside rivals in a historic vote that barred Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League from contesting.
At the helm? Tarique Rahman — a man returning from 17 years in exile and stepping into power for the first time.
“I am grateful for the love you have shown me,” Rahman told supporters in Dhaka.
He urged prayers instead of victory rallies in memory of his mother, former prime minister Khaleda Zia.
Reform Mandate Ahead
But here’s the twist: while promising change, Rahman is himself political royalty — just like Sheikh Hasina, whose 15-year rule ended in turmoil.
Voters also backed sweeping reforms: term limits for prime ministers, a stronger presidency, more judicial independence. Big promises. Bigger expectations.
Now comes the hard part. Can Rahman tame inflation, create jobs for a restless young population, and mend ties with India?
Whose Prime Minister Narendra Modi quickly congratulated him.
Bangladesh’s youth sparked this change. They’ll be watching closely.
Because revolutions are loud. Governing? That’s the real test.
