DHAKA : Bangladesh began counting votes on Thursday after polls closed in what observers have described as a landmark and closely contested national election, seen as a direct battle between Tarique Rahman’s Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and a broad opposition alliance led by Jamaat-e-Islami chief Shafiqur Rahman.

Election officials said voting concluded peacefully in most constituencies, with ballot counting underway across the country. The outcome is expected to shape the political direction of the South Asian nation at a time of heightened public debate over governance and institutional reform.

Opinion polls had suggested BNP leader Tarique Rahman was a frontrunner for the post of prime minister. However, analysts say the Jamaat-led coalition, which includes the National Citizen Party (NCP) formed by student leaders behind the 2024 uprising, could spring a surprise if turnout among younger voters proves decisive.

Bangladesh’s parliament comprises 350 lawmakers, of whom 300 are directly elected from single-member constituencies, while 50 seats are reserved for women. Voting was held in 299 constituencies following the death of a candidate.

Alongside the parliamentary vote, a referendum on a series of political reforms was also held. The proposed changes include introducing term limits for the prime minister, strengthening checks on executive authority and adding safeguards aimed at preventing the concentration of parliamentary power.

Preliminary results were expected later in the day, with final tallies likely to be announced after the completion of counting in all constituencies.

For all the latest news from Oman and GCC, follow us on Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn, like us on Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube page, which is updated daily.