Minority leaders see hope after 13th national election in Bangladesh

The February 12 vote was the first national election since the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government in 2024. It has been widely viewed as an important test for the country’s return to democracy. Unofficial results from 295 of 299 constituencies show the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its allies securing a two-thirds majority, paving the way for Tarique Rahman to lead the next government. The BNP-led coalition has won an estimated 212 seats, with its closest rival, the Jamaat-e-Islami alliance, securing 77 seats. Nirmol Rozario, president of the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council, told Somoy his organisation did not receive any information about violence. “The 2026 election was good. We have not received any information about violence or irregularities,” he said. Rozario visited several areas in Dhaka and observed spontaneous participation by voters. “People participated quite spontaneously, and the election was conducted fairly,” he added. He said those who have been elected now have a responsibility to work for the country. “We want a non-communal country where people of all religions and ethnic groups can live with their rights and dignity,” he said. Rozario also emphasised the importance of protecting the rights of ethnic communities living in the hills and plains. He reiterated long-standing demands of Christians, including the appointment of Christian religious teachers in educational institutions where Christian students study and declaring Easter Sunday a government holiday. Supreme Court lawyer and politician Subroto Chowdhury told Somoy initial apprehensions about the election did not materialise. “At the beginning of this election, there was some apprehension among the people. But in the end, nothing of that sort happened,” he said. He described the vote as "extraordinary" in the country’s 54-year history, noting that there was strong competition among political parties but no significant election-related violence. “Most importantly, the Election Commission carried out its responsibilities with great neutrality,” he said. Chowdhury said the incoming government should uphold its manifesto commitments, especially its pledge to build a non-communal Bangladesh where citizens of all faiths and identities enjoy equal rights. Bhikkhu Sunanda Priyo, general secretary of the Bangladesh Buddhist Federation, also told Somoy the election was conducted fairly. “There were no irregularities or major problems on the part of the Election Commission,” he said. He added that voter turnout was satisfactory and people cast their votes spontaneously. “In the past, we have seen incidents of persecution of minorities before and after elections. However, this time, nothing of that sort happened,” he said. He expressed hope that religious and ethnic minority communities would be able to live safely under the new government. According to official data, 127,711,893 voters were registered for the election, including more than 1,200 third-gender voters. Voting took place at 42,779 polling stations nationwide, with around 800,000 officials deployed. Nearly 500 foreign observers and journalists monitored the polls. Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin said the election was conducted in a festive and neutral atmosphere and described it as one of the better elections in the country’s history.