Hours after Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairman Tarique Rahman recorded a historic win in the 2026 elections on Friday, the party has requested India to send ousted PM Sheikh Hasina to Dhaka to stand trial.

In a dramatic turn for Bangladesh's political landscape, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) secured a resounding victory in the 2026 general elections, held on February 12, after the Awami League was effectively barred from participating. The Election Commission suspended the Awami League's registration, and the interim government banned its activities under the Anti-Terrorism Act, labeling it a response to alleged security threats tied to the 2024 protests. 

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman led his party to a two-thirds majority, capturing 209-212 seats in the 300-member parliament. This landslide empowers the BNP to form the government and potentially amend the constitution for sweeping reforms. Voter turnout hovered at 59%, bolstered by over 5 million first-time voters disillusioned by years of authoritarian rule under Sheikh Hasina.

Mere hours after the results were declared on February 13, BNP leaders escalated demands for the extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from India. Hasina, ousted in August 2024 amid a violent student-led uprising that claimed over 1,400 lives, fled to New Delhi and has resided there in exile. In November 2025, a Bangladeshi court sentenced her to death in absentia for crimes against humanity related to the brutal crackdown on protesters.

Senior BNP figure Salahuddin Ahmed affirmed the party's backing for the foreign minister's diplomatic push, stating, "We urge India to facilitate her return so she can face justice." This call underscores the new government's commitment to accountability for the 2024 atrocities, but it risks fraying the once-cordial Bangladesh-India relations fostered during Hasina's 15-year reign. India, a key ally, provided her sanctuary, and extradition could hinge on bilateral treaties and political negotiations.

As Rahman prepares to take office, the focus shifts to rebuilding institutions, stimulating the economy, and addressing youth demands. However, the extradition saga looms large, potentially influencing regional dynamics in South Asia. Observers note that while some Awami League remnants covertly supported rivals to evade reprisals, the party's dissolution marks a pivotal reset. With Jamaat-e-Islami emerging as the chief opposition (68-77 seats), Bangladesh enters an era of uncertain alliances and heightened scrutiny on democratic integrity.