Tarique Rahman was sworn in as Prime Minister of Bangladesh today, marking a dramatic shift in the nation’s political landscape following a landslide victory for the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in elections held last week.
The win for Rahman and the BNP concludes 15 years of rule by Sheikh Hasina, whose government was ousted following student-led protests in July 2024. The elections represent the first opportunity for Bangladeshis to vote since those demonstrations, widely viewed as a test of the country’s ability to restore democratic processes, according to reports.
Rahman, who returned to Dhaka in December 2025 after nearly 17 years in self-imposed exile in London, secured victories in two constituencies: Dhaka-17 and Bogra-6. His party, the BNP, won 209 seats in the 13th national elections, paving the way for a new government currently being administered by an interim government led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus.
The scale of the BNP’s victory – securing 212 seats in parliament, with the Islamist-led Jamaat-e-Islami alliance winning 77 – signals a clear mandate for change. Rahman has urged supporters to refrain from exuberant celebrations in the streets, instead requesting they attend Friday prayers, according to the BBC.
One of the immediate challenges facing the new administration is addressing the economic situation. The BNP has pledged to transform Bangladesh into a $1 trillion economy by 2034, a goal that will require careful management, particularly within the crucial garments industry. A stable political outcome is seen as a positive starting point for economic growth.
The elections also come with the backdrop of Sheikh Hasina’s exile in India. Following her ouster, the BNP has renewed its push for Hasina’s extradition, a move that could further complicate regional dynamics. Hasina is reportedly facing a death sentence for the violent crackdown on student protesters during the July 2024 uprising.
Constitutional reforms proposed in the July National Charter are also set to be implemented, having received broad support in a national referendum held alongside the general elections. These reforms are expected to reshape the political structure of Bangladesh.
Rahman’s ascent to Prime Minister marks a historic moment, as he is set to develop into the first male prime minister of Bangladesh since 1991. The transition of power is occurring as the country grapples with uniting a population that includes supporters of the Awami League who may feel disenfranchised by the election results.
