Tarique Rahman, Chairman of Bangladesh Nationalist Party-BNP and son of Bangladesh's former Prime Minister, Begum Khaleda Zia, cast his vote for the 13th Parliamentary elections, at a polling centre in Dhaka on Thursday (February 12, 2025). He is back in the country after nearly 17 years of self-imposed exile.&nbsp;Rahman requested citizens to exercise their right to vote and expressed confidence in the victory of the BNP in the general elections of 2026. Soon after casting his vote, he stated that if voted to power, the BNP would prioritise law and order. The February 12 election to elect 350 members of parliament comes after a prolonged period of political instability triggered by the removal of the Sheikh Hasina-led government.<h3>Who is Tarique Rahman?</h3>Rahman is the eldest son of former Bangladesh President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, who served three terms. His return comes at a time of widespread unrest, violence, and ongoing debate over the role of the interim government.&nbsp;General Ziaur Rahman founded the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on September 1, 1978. He also played a key role in the country’s liberation and established the first civil administration in Roumari after the area was recaptured from Pakistani forces. Following Khaleda Zia’s death, Rahman officially took over as BNP chairman in December 2025, having earlier served as the party’s acting chief.&nbsp;Often referred to as the “dark prince,” Tarique Rahman is believed to have wielded significant influence between 2001 and 2006, when a BNP–Jamaat-e-Islami coalition governed the country under Khaleda Zia’s leadership. At the time, Rahman was based out of Hawa Bhaban, a two-floor building with a 'wind tunnel'. On paper, it was his office and was like a "shadow PMO."&nbsp;From 2006 to 2008, a violent civil unrest occurred where the BNP and Awami League argued over an election that was supposed to be held by mid-November 2006. The unrest led to the installation of a military 'caretaker' government, which was reportedly accused of restricting fundamental freedoms and attempting to create a political alternative without Zia or Hasina. The election was eventually held in 2008, resulting in a victory for the Awami League.&nbsp;The caretaker government arrested Rehman in May 2007, and he remained in custody for 17 months on multiple charges. He was later convicted in absentia on multiple charges that included money laundering and connection with the alleged plot to assassinate Hasina.&nbsp;According to a report by Al Jazeera, these convictions were overturned after Hasina was ousted from power during a student-led uprising in August 2024. Following his release, Rahman travelled to London for medical treatment, alleging torture during detention. His return comes at a critical juncture for the country, as he presents himself and the BNP as a "champion of democracy".&nbsp;WATCH: https://www.wionews.com/videos/bangladesh-votes-under-heavy-security-as-crucial-national-elections-begin-wion-1770875962053/embedd&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/canada-school-shooter-transgender-jesse-van-rootselaar-mother-jennifer-strang-1770865781929">Canada school shooter, Jesse Van Rootselaar, killed own mother who once called to end trans hate</a>

Rahman requested citizens to exercise their right to vote and expressed confidence in the victory of the BNP in the general elections of 2026. Soon after casting his vote, he stated that if voted to power, the BNP would prioritise law and order.

Tarique Rahman, Chairman of Bangladesh Nationalist Party-BNP and son of Bangladesh's former Prime Minister, Begum Khaleda Zia, cast his vote for the 13th Parliamentary elections, at a polling centre in Dhaka on Thursday (February 12, 2025). He is back in the country after nearly 17 years of self-imposed exile. Rahman requested citizens to exercise their right to vote and expressed confidence in the victory of the BNP in the general elections of 2026. Soon after casting his vote, he stated that if voted to power, the BNP would prioritise law and order. The February 12 election to elect 350 members of parliament comes after a prolonged period of political instability triggered by the removal of the Sheikh Hasina-led government. Who is Tarique Rahman? Rahman is the eldest son of former Bangladesh President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, who served three terms. His return comes at a time of widespread unrest, violence, and ongoing debate over the role of the interim government. General Ziaur Rahman founded the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on September 1, 1978. He also played a key role in the country’s liberation and established the first civil administration in Roumari after the area was recaptured from Pakistani forces. Following Khaleda Zia’s death, Rahman officially took over as BNP chairman in December 2025, having earlier served as the party’s acting chief. Often referred to as the “dark prince,” Tarique Rahman is believed to have wielded significant influence between 2001 and 2006, when a BNP–Jamaat-e-Islami coalition governed the country under Khaleda Zia’s leadership. At the time, Rahman was based out of Hawa Bhaban, a two-floor building with a 'wind tunnel'. On paper, it was his office and was like a "shadow PMO." From 2006 to 2008, a violent civil unrest occurred where the BNP and Awami League argued over an election that was supposed to be held by mid-November 2006. The unrest led to the installation of a military 'caretaker' government, which was reportedly accused of restricting fundamental freedoms and attempting to create a political alternative without Zia or Hasina. The election was eventually held in 2008, resulting in a victory for the Awami League. The caretaker government arrested Rehman in May 2007, and he remained in custody for 17 months on multiple charges. He was later convicted in absentia on multiple charges that included money laundering and connection with the alleged plot to assassinate Hasina. According to a report by Al Jazeera, these convictions were overturned after Hasina was ousted from power during a student-led uprising in August 2024. Following his release, Rahman travelled to London for medical treatment, alleging torture during detention. His return comes at a critical juncture for the country, as he presents himself and the BNP as a "champion of democracy". WATCH: https://www.wionews.com/videos/bangladesh-votes-under-heavy-security-as-crucial-national-elections-begin-wion-1770875962053/embedd Also read: Canada school shooter, Jesse Van Rootselaar, killed own mother who once called to end trans hate

Rahman requested citizens to exercise their right to vote and expressed confidence in the victory of the BNP in the general elections of 2026. Soon after casting his vote, he stated that if voted to power, the BNP would prioritise law and order.

Who is Tarique Rahman? The 'Dark Prince' and front-runner for Bangladesh PM post

The parliamentary polls in Bangladesh scheduled on Thursday, February 12, will have a huge implication for the safety and rights of the country’s Hindu minority that comprises about 8% of the total population in the Muslim majority nation. The government, which is formed after election results, will shape the political environment in the country that witnessed targeted violence against the minority Hindus over the last few months even as the interim government remained in a mode of denial.&nbsp;<h2>Hindus target of surge in violence and intimidation</h2>&nbsp;Hindu communities have reported a surge in violence, intimidation, and fear of attacks. A Hindu trader was killed just days before polling, further igniting anxieties about the safety and security of minorities in Bangladesh.Civil society groups representing Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians say minorities are living in fear, with violent acts, including killings, attacks on property, and threats to business owners, across the country likely to discourage them from voting freely.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/day-before-bangladesh-polls-jamaat-leader-arrested-at-saidpur-airport-with-tk50-lakh-in-cash-1770813630948">Day before Bangladesh polls, Jamaat leader arrested at Saidpur Airport with Tk50 lakh in cash</a><h2>Analysts fear Islamist political forces could become influential</h2>&nbsp;The political realignment after the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in 2024 has resulted in major parties forming new alliances, and some election analysts fear that Islamist political forces could become influential after the polls.&nbsp;&nbsp;Bangladesh’s elections are being watched internationally, and concerns have been raised abroad about the persecution of Hindus and other minorities.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-us-used-pakistan-like-toilet-paper-says-defence-minister-khawaja-asif-1770808649575">‘US used Pakistan like toilet paper,’ says Defence Minister Khawaja Asif</a><h2>Consolidation of hardline elements could further alienate minorities</h2>&nbsp;Some activists argue that the consolidation of hardline elements after the election could deepen alienation among minorities, erode trust in democratic institutions, and even encourage emigration.&nbsp;All eyes will be on polling and whether the Hindus and other minorities feel safe enough to go out and cast their votes.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-offer-bangladesh-defence-systems-to-counter-chinese-influence-ambassador-in-dhaka-1770804612423">‘US to offer Bangladesh defence systems to counter Chinese influence’: Washington's envoy in Dhaka</a>&nbsp;The election outcome could either embolden hardline forces with adverse effects on minorities or strengthen protections for the minorities.The election is a litmus test for secular democracy and inclusiveness and will carve the future of Bangladesh, and hence it is much more than a routine political event.

The elections in Bangladesh are being watched internationally, and concerns have been raised abroad about the persecution of Hindus and other minorities in the country. Killings, attacks on property, and threats are likely to discourage the minorities from voting freely.

The parliamentary polls in Bangladesh scheduled on Thursday, February 12, will have a huge implication for the safety and rights of the country’s Hindu minority that comprises about 8% of the total population in the Muslim majority nation. The government, which is formed after election results, will shape the political environment in the country that witnessed targeted violence against the minority Hindus over the last few months even as the interim government remained in a mode of denial. Hindus target of surge in violence and intimidation Hindu communities have reported a surge in violence, intimidation, and fear of attacks. A Hindu trader was killed just days before polling, further igniting anxieties about the safety and security of minorities in Bangladesh. Civil society groups representing Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians say minorities are living in fear, with violent acts, including killings, attacks on property, and threats to business owners, across the country likely to discourage them from voting freely. Also Read: Day before Bangladesh polls, Jamaat leader arrested at Saidpur Airport with Tk50 lakh in cash Analysts fear Islamist political forces could become influential The political realignment after the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in 2024 has resulted in major parties forming new alliances, and some election analysts fear that Islamist political forces could become influential after the polls. Bangladesh’s elections are being watched internationally, and concerns have been raised abroad about the persecution of Hindus and other minorities. Also Read: ‘US used Pakistan like toilet paper,’ says Defence Minister Khawaja Asif Consolidation of hardline elements could further alienate minorities Some activists argue that the consolidation of hardline elements after the election could deepen alienation among minorities, erode trust in democratic institutions, and even encourage emigration. All eyes will be on polling and whether the Hindus and other minorities feel safe enough to go out and cast their votes. Also Read: ‘US to offer Bangladesh defence systems to counter Chinese influence’: Washington's envoy in Dhaka The election outcome could either embolden hardline forces with adverse effects on minorities or strengthen protections for the minorities. The election is a litmus test for secular democracy and inclusiveness and will carve the future of Bangladesh, and hence it is much more than a routine political event.

The elections in Bangladesh are being watched internationally, and concerns have been raised abroad about the persecution of Hindus and other minorities in the country. Killings, attacks on property, and threats are likely to discourage the minorities from voting freely.

Bangladesh General Election 2026: Why Bangladesh polls matter for Hindu minority’s safety

The general election of Bangladesh is scheduled to take place on Thursday (February 12, 2026), with around 12.77 crore eligible voters voting for the 13th national parliamentary election and a national referendum on constitutional reforms. Final preparations for the smooth conduct of the elections are underway nationwide as officials and security agencies have set the stage for peaceful voting, with results anticipated on February 13.<h3>What are key dates and schedule of Bangladesh election 2026?</h3>Polling will take place nationwide from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm without interruption across the country at more than 42,000 polling stations. Voters will elect their local members of parliament using transparent ballot boxes and will also participate in a referendum aimed at deciding the future course of national reforms.<h3>What are the total registered Voters?</h3>According to the latest electoral rolls, Bangladesh has 12.77 crore registered voters. Of these, around 6.48 crore are men, nearly 6.28 crore are women, and about 1,220 voters are registered under the third-gender category. The figures highlight ongoing efforts to ensure an inclusive and representative electoral process.&nbsp;Vote counting will begin immediately after polling ends at 4:30 pm, with results for both the parliamentary elections and the referendum expected to be declared on February 13. The results will shape the formation of the next government and determine the fate of the proposed constitutional reforms.&nbsp;Bangladesh consist of a “unicameral” legislature, the only legislative chamber which makes laws, the Jatiyo Shangsad or the House of the Nation, with 350 constituencies. Each constituency contains a single-member seat.&nbsp;Bangladesh follows a first-past-the-post electoral system, where voters select a single candidate from those contesting, and the candidate who secures the highest number of votes wins the seat. As a result, a party can secure a disproportionate number of seats even with narrow victories, leading to a mismatch between its total vote share and the number of seats it holds.&nbsp;Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/-locked-and-loaded-after-uss-abraham-lincoln-us-mobilises-missile-launchers-in-qatar-1770747308527/1770747308528"> 'Locked and loaded': After USS Abraham Lincoln, US mobilises missile launchers in Qatar</a>

Vote counting of the Bangladesh general election 2026 will begin immediately after polling ends at 4:30 pm, with results for both the parliamentary elections and the referendum expected to be declared on February 13. 

The general election of Bangladesh is scheduled to take place on Thursday (February 12, 2026), with around 12.77 crore eligible voters voting for the 13th national parliamentary election and a national referendum on constitutional reforms. Final preparations for the smooth conduct of the elections are underway nationwide as officials and security agencies have set the stage for peaceful voting, with results anticipated on February 13. What are key dates and schedule of Bangladesh election 2026? Polling will take place nationwide from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm without interruption across the country at more than 42,000 polling stations. Voters will elect their local members of parliament using transparent ballot boxes and will also participate in a referendum aimed at deciding the future course of national reforms. What are the total registered Voters? According to the latest electoral rolls, Bangladesh has 12.77 crore registered voters. Of these, around 6.48 crore are men, nearly 6.28 crore are women, and about 1,220 voters are registered under the third-gender category. The figures highlight ongoing efforts to ensure an inclusive and representative electoral process. Vote counting will begin immediately after polling ends at 4:30 pm, with results for both the parliamentary elections and the referendum expected to be declared on February 13. The results will shape the formation of the next government and determine the fate of the proposed constitutional reforms. Bangladesh consist of a “unicameral” legislature, the only legislative chamber which makes laws, the Jatiyo Shangsad or the House of the Nation, with 350 constituencies. Each constituency contains a single-member seat. Bangladesh follows a first-past-the-post electoral system, where voters select a single candidate from those contesting, and the candidate who secures the highest number of votes wins the seat. As a result, a party can secure a disproportionate number of seats even with narrow victories, leading to a mismatch between its total vote share and the number of seats it holds. Also read: 'Locked and loaded': After USS Abraham Lincoln, US mobilises missile launchers in Qatar

Vote counting of the Bangladesh general election 2026 will begin immediately after polling ends at 4:30 pm, with results for both the parliamentary elections and the referendum expected to be declared on February 13.&nbsp;

Bangladesh Election 2026: Key dates, voting timings, registered voters & results - All you need to know

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Who is Tarique Rahman? The 'Dark Prince' and front-runner for Bangladesh PM post

Bangladesh General Election 2026: Why polls matter for Hindu minority’s safety

Bangladesh Election 2026: Key dates, voting timings, registered voters & results