BNP wins on Khaleda’s legacy, Tarique’s drive

BNP’s sweeping victory in Thursday’s national election is a result of public trust in the party’s leadership, spirited campaigning, and voter disillusionment with rival Jamaat-e-Islami, according to party leaders and political analysts.

Strong public sentiment toward former prime minister and party chairperson Khaleda Zia, who passed away just weeks before the polls, together with her son and successor Tarique Rahman’s campaign strategy and progressive reform agenda, are being regarded as key factors behind the landslide.

Analysts also point to BNP’s prolonged struggle against authoritarian rule and its role in the mass uprising, along with support from minority communities, women voters, and a section of Awami League supporters, as decisive elements.

“Jamaat’s positions on women gave rise to fear, shifting public perception toward BNP,” said Prof Mojibur Rahman of Dhaka University’s Institute of Education and Research.

Former Jahangirnagar University Professor Al Masud Hasanuzzaman also noted the years of struggle endured by grassroots leaders under the previous regime and said it strengthened BNP’s credibility.

“The absence of Awami League in the polls gave BNP space to consolidate its position and expand its voter base,” he added.

Unofficial results from the Election Commission show that BNP alone secured 209 seats, with allies bringing the total to 212 -- a two-thirds majority that paves the way for forming the next parliament.

However, the party faced setbacks as well. The nomination of weak candidates and reports of activists engaging in extortion and reckless behaviour in the aftermath of the mass uprising caused BNP to fall short of its expected results, allowing rivals to capitalise on those constituencies.

In many seats, voters expressed dissatisfaction with local BNP candidates, yet their confidence in the party’s central leadership remained a decisive factor behind the overall victory.

Party insiders said BNP deliberately avoided revenge‑driven rhetoric that might alienate Awami League voters.

Analysts added that BNP’s clear stance on the Liberation War and criticism of Jamaat’s role in 1971 resonated strongly, especially with voters who embrace the values rooted in independence.

Prof Mojibur noted, “BNP’s nomination of several freedom fighters and its emphasis on independence appealed to a broad base.”

BNP leaders also highlighted rival Jamaat’s controversial positions on women’s rights, cultural activities, and its wartime legacy as factors that pushed voters toward BNP.

“Anti‑Jamaat sentiment and the lack of a viable alternative led many to choose BNP, confident it could govern after the uprising,” said a BNP Standing Committee member.

The party’s campaign also leaned on populist pledges such as the “Family Card” and “Farmer Card”, alongside Tarique Rahman’s interactive speeches, grassroots outreach, and a roadmap for national welfare.

Sources close to BNP said winning candidates benefited from their deep local roots and long‑standing resilience, which voters recognised and rewarded.