Bangladesh is ushering in a new political era under the leadership of Tarique Rahman, son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, as the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) returns to power after a 20-year absence following its sweeping victory in the national elections. With minority representatives, including Hindus, securing seats in the newly elected parliament, questions are mounting about their inclusion in the upcoming cabinet as the government prepares to take oath on Tuesday, February 17.
Led by Tarique Rahman, the BNP clinched a two-thirds majority in the February 12 polls, capturing 209 seats with 49.97 percent of the votes, according to results declared on February 13. The Jamaat-e-Islami achieved its best-ever performance, securing 68 seats and 31.76 percent of the votes, while the National Citizen Party (NCP) took third place with six seats and 3.05 percent of the votes.
Among the highlights of the election is the success of four candidates from minority communities, all nominated by the BNP. Two Hindu candidates emerged victorious: Goyeshwar Chandra Roy, who won from a Dhaka seat, and Nitai Roy Chowdhury, who triumphed in the western Magura constituency. Both defeated rivals fielded by the Jamaat-e-Islami.
Goyeshwar Chandra Roy serves as a member of the BNP’s highest policy-making standing committee. Nitai Roy Chowdhury holds the position of one of the party’s prominent vice presidents and acts as a senior advisor and strategist for its top leadership.
The third minority MP-elect is Saching Pru, a senior BNP leader and follower of the Buddhist faith, representing the Marma ethnic community. He was elected from the southeastern hill district of Bandarban.
The fourth minority representative is Dipen Dewan, from the Buddhist-majority Chakma ethnic minority group, who won from a constituency in the southeastern Rangamati hill district. His religious identity remains somewhat obscure, with many describing him as a Hindu, according to a PTI report.
Tarique Rahman, BNP Chairperson, celebrated the victory by showing a victory sign during a meeting with media in Dhaka on Saturday, signaling confidence in the party's dominant mandate and the diverse representation within its ranks.
