Bangladesh EC Publishes Gazette for 13th Parliamentary Election MPs
Bangladesh's Election Commission has published the gazette notification for 297 newly elected Members of Parliament from the 13th general election held on February 12, 2026. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) secured a landslide victory, with party leader Tarique Rahman expected to become the next Prime Minister.
Key Highlights
- Bangladesh EC released gazette for 297 MPs from 13th parliamentary polls.
- BNP achieved a decisive victory in the February 12, 2026 elections.
- Tarique Rahman is set to become Bangladesh's next Prime Minister.
- Gazette notification paves way for newly elected MPs' swearing-in.
- Awami League was barred from contesting the 2026 general election.
- A referendum on constitutional reforms also passed with a 'Yes' vote.
The Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh officially published the gazette notification on February 13, 2026, declaring 297 newly elected Members of Parliament (MPs) from the country's 13th national parliamentary election. The polls, held on Thursday, February 12, 2026, marked a significant political shift as the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) secured a landslide victory, returning to power after nearly two decades.
The gazette, issued by Election Commission Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed, includes details of the elected representatives, such as their names, parents' or spouses' names, and addresses, along with their respective constituencies. This official publication is a crucial step that clears the path for the newly elected MPs to take their oath, with reports suggesting the swearing-in ceremony could take place as early as next week, possibly on February 17.
The 13th parliamentary election was particularly notable as it was the first general election since the mass uprising in August 2024, which led to the resignation and self-imposed exile of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the fall of her Awami League government. An interim government, led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus, had been in charge, committed to holding free, fair, and peaceful elections.
In the contested 299 out of 300 seats (polling in one constituency was postponed due to the death of a candidate, and results for two seats were initially withheld due to High Court directives), the BNP emerged as the dominant force, winning 209 seats. Their key ally, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, secured a significant 68 seats, becoming the second-largest party and effectively the main opposition. Other alliance partners and independent candidates also gained seats, with Gano Odhikar Parishad, Bangladesh Jatiya Party (BJP), and Gano Sanghati Andalon each winning one seat, National Citizen Party (NCP) securing six seats, Bangladesh Khilafat Majlis two, Khelafat Majlish one, Islami Andolon Bangladesh one, and independent candidates winning seven constituencies.
The Awami League, which had ruled for 15 years, was barred from contesting the 2026 elections. This paved the way for a two-way contest primarily between the BNP-led alliance and a Jamaat-e-Islami-led 11-party alliance. Following the results, Tarique Rahman, chairman of the BNP and son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, is widely expected to be the country's next Prime Minister. Rahman had returned to Bangladesh in December after 17 years in self-exile.
Alongside the parliamentary elections, a national referendum on constitutional reforms was also held on February 12, 2026. The reform package, known as the 'July National Charter,' aimed at sweeping democratic changes, including proposals for two-term limits for prime ministers, stronger judicial independence, increased women's representation, and the reinstatement of a neutral, non-party caretaker administration for future general elections. The 'Yes' vote triumphed in this referendum with a clear majority, reflecting a voter turnout of 60.26%.
The overall voter turnout for the parliamentary election was officially reported as 59.44%, indicating substantial public participation in shaping the country's future. International observers, including the European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM), described Bangladesh's 13th parliamentary elections as credible and competently managed, calling them a pivotal step towards restoring democratic governance and the rule of law.
For India, the results of the Bangladesh elections are of high importance. Bangladesh is a crucial neighbor with significant bilateral trade and strategic ties. The change in government, with the BNP returning to power after the Awami League's long tenure, will be closely watched for its implications on regional cooperation, security, and India-Bangladesh relations. The stability of Bangladesh directly impacts India's eastern borders and economic interests in the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the outcome of Bangladesh's 13th parliamentary election?
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) achieved a landslide victory in the 13th parliamentary election, securing 209 out of 297 declared seats. Their key ally, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, became the second-largest party with 68 seats.
When were the 13th parliamentary polls held in Bangladesh and when was the gazette published?
The 13th parliamentary polls in Bangladesh were held on February 12, 2026. The Election Commission published the gazette notification for the newly elected Members of Parliament on Friday night, February 13, 2026.
Who is expected to be the next Prime Minister of Bangladesh?
Tarique Rahman, the chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), is widely expected to become the next Prime Minister of Bangladesh following his party's decisive victory in the 13th parliamentary election.
What happened to the Awami League in this election?
The Awami League, led by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, was barred from contesting the 13th parliamentary election. Sheikh Hasina had resigned and gone into self-exile after a mass uprising in August 2024.
Was a referendum also held with the election?
Yes, a national referendum on constitutional reforms, known as the 'July National Charter,' was held concurrently with the parliamentary elections. The 'Yes' vote for the reform package won with a clear majority.