Bangladesh election: BNP claims victory in first poll since Hasina overthrow

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party has claimed a majority in the parliamentary election held after Sheikh Hasina's overthrow, with early counts showing about 185 of 300 seats and the US embassy congratulating the party.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party has claimed a majority in parliamentary elections held after the overthrow of Sheikh Hasina. The vote was widely described as the country's first competitive and free national election in more than 17 years. It follows a student-led uprising that removed Hasina after 15 years in power and a period of political unrest. Officials and media continued to report and verify results as counting proceeded. Key facts: - TV channels showed the BNP had secured about 185 of 300 seats by around 04:00 local time, a number above the simple majority threshold. - The US embassy issued congratulations to the party, describing the result as "historic." - Observers and local reporting said the election was widely seen as the first free and fair vote in over 17 years. - Local media reported turnout was expected to exceed the 42% recorded in 2024, with more than 60% of registered voters reported as likely to have cast ballots. - A referendum on constitutional reforms was held alongside the parliamentary vote; no official outcome for the referendum had been announced. - Sheikh Hasina fled to India after a war crimes tribunal sentenced her to death; she denounced the election as a "carefully planned farce" in a post-vote statement. Summary: If final counts confirm the reported results, the BNP would be positioned to form the next government after a prolonged period of contested elections, representing a notable political change. Final certification of seat counts and the official result of the constitutional referendum were continuing and remained undetermined at this time.