Democracy flourishes when voters act with wisdom, candidates compete with integrity, and the government safeguards fairness. Thursday’s 2026 Bangladesh National Election offers a shining example of how collective responsibility can transform aspiration into a peaceful and enduring democratic reality.

In a landmark moment for Bangladesh’s democracy, the 13th National Election and Referendum concluded peacefully, marking the first violence-free national vote since the country’s independence in 1971. Denouncing negative rumours and anticipations, voters across the nation turned out enthusiastically, delivering a historic, orderly election.

A tight security vigil was enforced in polling centres across 299 of the 300 constituencies, following the cancellation of voting in Sherpur-3 after the death of a candidate. Nearly 900,000 law enforcement personnel were deployed to maintain order during the polls, alongside 2,098 executive and 657 judicial magistrates who oversaw election proceedings over five days.

Despite the calm, seven deaths were reported in and around polling centres, most reportedly from natural causes. Among the deceased was 50-year-old polling officer Md Mujahidul Islam, who passed away while on duty in Brahmanbaria. Another victim, a former BNP leader, died following a scuffle at a polling centre. BNP officials alleged he was pushed during the altercation, a claim denied by Jamaat representatives.

Voter turnout was high, with large numbers of first-time and female voters participating spontaneously from the morning. Voting took place in approximately 42,958 polling centres nationwide. Preliminary results indicated a decisive victory for BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman, who secured a landslide win with 216,284 votes — 69.10 per cent of the total cast.

As of 1:54am, the BNP alliance had secured 169 seats, followed by the Jamaat alliance with 63, though counting of postal ballots and the referendum continues. Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin emphasised that final results may take time due to the processing of postal and referendum votes but insisted there was no scope for “manipulation” or “irregularities.”

“As promised, the Election Commission has delivered an impartial, transparent, and credible election,” he said.

Speaking at a press briefing in Dhaka, Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman said his party would accept the results if they reflected current voting trends. “It is not appropriate to draw conclusions in advance. We have confidence in the people. Initial indications are emerging, but nothing is confirmed yet,” he cautioned.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said his party was leading and confident of securing a majority. Speaking to journalists at his Thakurgaon residence, he added, “We will implement our election manifesto and reflect the people’s aspirations if we form the next government.”

BNP’s Central Election Steering Committee spokesperson Mahdi Amin confirmed the party’s confidence in forming a government with more than a two-thirds majority. “Alhamdulillah, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has already been unofficially declared elected from Bogura-6 and Dhaka-17,” he said at a press briefing in Gulshan. The BNP, having secured more than 150 seats, is constitutionally poised to form the next government.

The election was largely a contest between BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami, signalling the end of the 18-month rule of the interim government led by Professor Muhammad Yunus. Nearly 50 political parties fielded a total of 2,028 candidates, including 273 independents. BNP nominated the highest number of candidates — 291 — while 83 women contested.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus extended congratulations to the nation for conducting the election in a “peaceful, orderly and festive environment.” He praised voters, candidates, and institutions for demonstrating restraint, professionalism, and a steadfast commitment to democracy.

Top political leaders cast their votes early on Thursday. BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman voted at Gulshan Model High School and College at around 9:30am, while Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman cast his ballot at Monipur High School and College.

However, the National Citizen Party (NCP) has alleged irregularities during vote counting in Dhaka-8, warning it would not accept results if manipulation persisted.

NCP electioneering chief Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain claimed attempts were made to engineer results in favour of BNP. Candidate Nasiruddin Patwary protested alleged changes at six polling centres, including Siddheshwari Boys’ High School and Motijheel Ideal School and College, urging supporters via social media to remain vigilant. NCP convenor Nahid Islam also called for supporters to gather in Dhaka-8 to protect voting rights.

Despite isolated allegations, Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin reiterated his gratitude to all for helping deliver a fair and widely accepted election. “With everyone’s cooperation, we have conducted an election that the nation can be proud of,” he said.

A total of 127,711,793 voters were registered, including 64,825,361 men, 62,885,200 women, and 1,232 voters from the third gender. Approximately 1.07 million postal ballots are still being counted, election officials confirmed.

As counting progresses, BNP remains confident of forming the next government. Secretary General Fakhrul Islam said, “The final results are yet to come, but we are ahead. God willing, we will secure a majority and implement policies reflecting the will of the people.”

Political observers say the 13th National Election stands as a historic milestone in Bangladesh’s democratic journey — a peaceful, transparent, and high-turnout poll that has broken a 35-year pattern of election-related violence, demonstrating the nation’s enduring commitment to democratic governance.