Editorial | Bangladesh bets on moderation

Key Points

• Bangladesh successfully held peaceful elections in February 2026 with over 60% voter turnout.
• The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), a centrist force, won an absolute majority by securing 209 of 300 seats.
• The Islamist Jamaat-e-Islami party, despite historical gains, did not resonate with the majority.
• The election outcome signals potential improved relations between Bangladesh and India, which could benefit regional trade and connectivity.
• Bangladesh's example provides a hopeful precedent for Nepal's election challenges and regional stability.