Bangladesh elections: BNP takes early lead, Jamaat-e-Islami leader trailing

DHAKA: The general election in Bangladesh is over. Initial results are in favour of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). According to the latest reports, the BNP was leading in 44 seats. The BNP, led by Tarique Rahman, son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, is contesting in an alliance with nine other parties. It is reported that Tarique has won the Dhaka constituency, while the Jamaat leader Shafiqur is trailing in Mirpur.

At the same time, the BNP's rival Jamaat-e-Islami Party, is leading in 18 seats. 10 other parties, including the student-formed National Citizens Party, are in the alliance with Jamaat-e-Islami. The results will be officially announced by the Election Commission today. 151 seats are needed for an absolute majority.

This is Bangladesh’s first general election since the fall of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. An interim government led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus has been ruling the country for 18 months. Hasina's Awami League party was banned by the interim government. A national referendum on sweeping constitutional reforms was also held in conjunction with the vote.

Jamaat-e-Islami leader Shafiqur Rahman reportedly tried to influence voters by highlighting religion and money. National media reported that Jamaat-e-Islami and its allies distributed pamphlets across the country offering a reward of 15,000 taka to those who vote for the party. The pamphlets also contained religious references. Jamaat-e-Islami party, which was banned under the Anti-Terrorism Act during Hasina’s regime, was brought back by the Yunus government.