‘We should wait for the outcome’: MEA as polling concludes in Bangladesh

India reiterates support for free and fair elections in Bangladesh as counting begins after historic post-Hasina polls

February 12, 2026

MEA: Wait for the outcome of Bangladesh polls

New Delhi reiterates support for free, fair, inclusive and credible elections

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday said India would wait for the outcome of Bangladesh’s general elections before commenting further, as voting concluded in the neighbouring country.

“We should wait for the outcome to see what sort of mandate emerges,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, adding that issues, if any, would be examined after the results are declared.

Reiterating New Delhi’s consistent position, Jaiswal said India supports “free, fair, inclusive, and credible elections” in Bangladesh.

The polls mark Bangladesh’s first national election since the ouster of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina during the July 2024 student-led uprising. Since then, the country has been governed by an interim administration headed by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus.

BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami in key contest

Counting of votes began shortly after polling ended at 4:30 pm.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chief Tarique Rahman expressed confidence about defeating a rival coalition led by Jamaat-e-Islami. Rahman, 60, returned to Bangladesh in December last year amid the deteriorating health of his mother, former prime minister Khaleda Zia, who passed away on December 30. The BNP, founded by Khaleda Zia and previously led by her, had seen a decline during Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year tenure in power.

On the other side, Jamaat-e-Islami chief Shafiqur Rahman led an extensive grassroots campaign, promising justice and an end to corruption. He said his party would do “whatever is required” to ensure the election outcome reflects the people’s will.

While political leaders across the spectrum voiced concerns over potential threats and tensions, Bangladesh’s Election Commission has so far reported only “a few minor disruptions” during the voting process.

With counting underway, attention now turns to the final results and the shape of the mandate that will define Bangladesh’s next political chapter.

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