Bangladesh likely to get male PM after 35 years

Bangladesh is set to have a male Prime Minister for the first time in about 35 years, following unofficial results of the 13th National Parliamentary Election indicating a landslide victory for the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its alliances.

Preliminary tallies suggest that the BNP-led alliance has secured a clear majority of seats in the parliament, paving the way for the formation of the next government.

Party insiders have indicated that BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman is expected to assume the office of Prime Minister once the results are formally confirmed and constitutional procedures are completed.

If appointed, Tarique Rahman would become the first male Prime Minister since Kazi Zafar Ahmed, who held the office in 1989.

Since the early 1990s, Bangladesh’s political leadership has been dominated by women, marking a unique chapter in South Asian politics.

Over the past three decades, governance alternated primarily between former BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and Bangladesh Awami League President Sheikh Hasina. Both leaders served multiple terms and played defining roles in shaping the country’s political landscape.

The potential transition signals a significant shift in Bangladesh’s political era. However, the current figures remain unofficial, and the Election Commission is expected to formally announce the final results after completing verification and consolidation of all polling data.

The formation of the new government will proceed once the official gazette notification is issued in accordance with constitutional provisions.