‘Very hopeful’: Cautious optimism among Gen Z Bangladeshis after key vote
As BNP’s Rahman ascends to power, young Bangladeshis demand gov’t prioritise their voices and deliver on poll promises.

As BNP’s Rahman ascends to power, young Bangladeshis demand gov’t prioritise their voices and deliver on poll promises.

![Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chairman Tarique Rahman (C) gestures as he arrives to address a press conference in Dhaka on February 14, 2026. [Sajjad Hussain/AFP]](/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/AFP__20260214__97HL4ZG__v1__HighRes__BangladeshPoliticsVote_cropped_for_vertical-1771077946.jpg?resize=770%2C513&quality=80)







Party led by Tarique Rahman says it will form government by Sunday.
Bangladesh Nationalist Party led by Rahman has won a historic majority in the first elections after the 2024 uprising.

Supporters of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party were seen celebrating outside the party’s office in the capital Dhaka.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party is claiming victory in the country’s first election since the 2024 uprising.
![An electoral worker empties a ballot box as vote counting begins, during the 13th general election in Dhaka, Bangladesh, February 12, 2026. [Mohammad Ponir Hossain/Reuters]](/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/2026-02-12T112611Z_2028374883_RC2BKJAZH35N_RTRMADP_3_BANGLADESH-ELECTION_cropped-1770923923.jpg?resize=730%2C410&quality=80)
Unofficial results in the Bangladesh election suggest that the Bangladesh Nationalist Party is leading.
Festive enthusiasm marks the day as millions turn out to vote for parliament and a referendum on constitutional reforms.

Vote counting is under way in Bangladesh after polls closed, with officials reporting turnout just under 48%.










Nearly 127 million eligible voters are electing the next prime minister and parliament for a five-year term.