Landmark Victory in Bangladesh Elections: Muhammad Yunus-Led Alliance Sweeps to Power

February 13, 2026

Bangladesh's historic general election concluded yesterday with a resounding victory for the National Citizen Party (NCP) alliance led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, marking the end of Sheikh Hasina's 15-year dominance and ushering in what many are calling the country's most significant political transition since independence. Preliminary results released by the Election Commission this morning show the Yunus-backed coalition securing 248 of 300 contested parliamentary seats, giving it a commanding majority in the Jatiya Sangsad.

The election, held February 12 under an interim administration following months of protests and the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024, saw record turnout of approximately 68 percent despite isolated incidents of violence and logistical challenges in remote areas.

Key Results and Seat Breakdown

With 98 percent of constituencies reporting:

• National Citizen Party alliance (led by Muhammad Yunus): 248 seats
• Awami League (Hasina faction): 42 seats
• Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP): 28 seats
• Jamaat-e-Islami and smaller Islamist parties: 12 seats
• Independents and minor parties: 20 seats

The NCP alliance, formed after the 2024 uprising and encompassing student leaders, civil society figures, technocrats, and moderate Islamists, campaigned on promises of constitutional reform, economic recovery, anti-corruption measures, and inclusive governance. Yunus himself did not contest a seat but served as the alliance's symbolic figurehead and de facto campaign leader.

Yunus Addresses Nation

In a televised address from Dhaka this morning, Muhammad Yunus declared the result "a mandate for fundamental change and national renewal." He pledged to form a broad-based government within days, prioritize judicial independence, hold local elections within six months, and establish a constitutional reform commission to address longstanding demands for a more balanced power structure.

"We begin today the work of rebuilding trust in institutions, healing divisions, and creating an economy that works for every Bangladeshi," Yunus said. "This is not the victory of one party; it is the victory of the people who demanded dignity and justice."

International Reactions and Domestic Mood

The United States, European Union, United Kingdom, and India issued statements welcoming the peaceful conduct of the election and the high turnout while calling for continued respect for human rights and inclusive governance. The United Nations praised the interim election commission for its efforts under difficult circumstances.

Domestic reactions ranged from jubilation in urban centers and university campuses to cautious acceptance in rural areas traditionally loyal to the Awami League. Sheikh Hasina, currently in exile in India, has not commented publicly since the results were announced, though Awami League spokespersons claimed widespread irregularities and vowed to challenge many outcomes in court.

Security remained tight in Dhaka and major cities overnight, with the military and police maintaining visible presence. No major violence was reported after polls closed, a stark contrast to the deadly clashes that preceded the election.

Next Steps

Yunus is expected to be sworn in as prime minister within the week, pending formal invitation from President Mohammed Shahabuddin. The new parliament will convene shortly thereafter to elect a speaker and begin legislative work on urgent priorities including economic stabilization, flood recovery, and judicial reform.

The landslide result ends the Awami League's long dominance and opens a new chapter in Bangladeshi politics. Whether the Yunus-led coalition can translate its mandate into lasting institutional change while managing economic pressures and regional relationships will define the country's trajectory in the years ahead. For now, Bangladesh enters a period of cautious optimism and intense scrutiny as it navigates its first post-Hasina government.