The recently concluded 13th National Election and Referendum are being considered an important milestone in the history of Bangladesh. This election, held amidst various apprehensions and political uncertainties, has opened the door to new expectations for the countrymen. The government led by Nobel laureate economist Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus has called this election `The New Birthday' of the country. The overall atmosphere of the election was peaceful, free and acceptable, which carries a positive message in the democratic progress of the country. However, many feared that this government was not capable of holding good and acceptable elections. But their fears were proven wrong and this government presented the most peaceful, free and acceptable elections in the history of Bangladesh.
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party achieved the greatest success in this election, winning more than two hundred seats and ensuring a landslide victory. At the same time, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami achieved one of the best results in its history, although its expected goals were not met. As a new political force, the NCP was also able to make a significant presence. Some were placing the Jatiya Party in the opposition seats; which could not win a single seat. Jamaat won most of their Rangpur seats. Overall, the election results have created a new horizon and balance in the country's political arena.
Several important factors have played a significant role in BNP's huge victory. The political and public opinion-building role of the July Movement has had a profound impact on the election results. Jamaat has lagged behind, considering itself a political force on par with BNP. The change in alliance politics has reshaped the electoral equation; in particular, the Islamic Movement of Bangladesh has created a difference in the number of seats it has won by leaving the Jamaat-e-Islami alliance. After the death of the party's uncompromising leader Begum Khaleda Zia, Tarique Rahman, who returned from London, created a massive public relations campaign among young voters, which played a major role in the election. In addition, public confidence in young leadership has increased. In this regard, the emergence of new leadership like Hasnat Abdullah, Nahid Islam, Barrister Nowshad Zamir, Akhtar Hossain, Shafiqul Islam Masud has become important. At the same time, great expectations have been created about the role of Nurul Haque Noor, Andalib Rahman Partho, Rumin Farhana and Jonayed Saki in making the parliament effective and vibrant.
On the other hand, the overwhelming victory of the 'yes' vote in the referendum is expected to provide a strong legal basis to the interim government. This has created the possibility of expediting the resolution of unresolved issues in the consensus commission and the implementation of the July Charter, which can bring about major changes in the administrative and governance structure.
The most important thing to do in the current reality is to build national unity by eliminating political divisions. The expectation of the people of Bangladesh is a prosperous and stable one by fulfilling the expectations of the people, strengthening democratic institutions and making the development trend sustainable. Let this expectation be the mandate of the referendum and the 13th national election 2026, expressed and flavored with the overwhelming support of the people.
The writer is a teacher and Assistant Proctor, National University
