• Tarique Rahman's Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) secured 212 out of 300 seats in the recent parliamentary elections.
• This marks a significant political comeback for Rahman, who returned from 17 years of exile just months before the election.
• The BNP aims to restore democratic governance and address the economic challenges facing the nation.
• Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's party was barred from participating in the elections, leading to questions about the election's legitimacy.
• Jamaat-e-Islami, the largest Islamist party, conceded defeat after making significant electoral gains.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by Tarique Rahman, won a **landslide victory** in the parliamentary elections held on February 12, securing **212 seats** out of the 300 contested. This victory places Rahman, who has returned from a 17-year exile in the UK, in a position to become the prime minister for the first time, following years of political turmoil. The interim leader Muhammad Yunus congratulated Rahman on this "**historic win**" and indicated a smooth transition of power, according to Channel News Asia and Le Monde.

Rahman's rise is heralded as a remarkable turnaround, given he only returned to Bangladesh late last year amidst his mother, Khaleda Zia's, declining health and subsequent death. His father, Ziaur Rahman, who was assassinated in 1981, was a pivotal figure in the nation's history, while Khaleda Zia dominated Bangladeshi politics for decades, according to BBC and Al Jazeera.

In his first address post-election, Rahman called for **national unity** and dedicated the victory to those who "sacrificed for democracy," emphasizing the importance of collective strength. He acknowledged the challenges ahead, including restoring democratic institutions and stabilizing the economy, echoing sentiments shared by senior BNP leaders about reversing the effects of an authoritarian regime, according to India Times and Channel News Asia.

With the elections deemed credible by international observers, Rahman's party aims to deliver on promises made during the campaign, including better governance and social reform. Political analysts predict that the success of the BNP reflects a **democratic aspiration** and the public's desire for change after extended periods of political strife. Rahman's leadership is considered pivotal in tackling urgent issues like unemployment and economic instability following the **2024 uprising**, according to Channel News Asia and Al Jazeera.

As the **Islamist Jamaat-e-Islami** party has conceded defeat while making significant gains, it highlights the complex political landscape in Bangladesh. Rahman's approach will likely be closely watched as he navigates both domestic and international relations, particularly in contrast to the prior administration under Sheikh Hasina, who has openly condemned the election process from exile, according to Al Jazeera and BBC.