Bangladesh Elections: BJP Secures One Seat, Marks Entry in Parliament

Dhaka: As soon as the results of the 13th general election of Bangladesh came out, the biggest discussion was about the big victory of BNP. But among these results, there was one name that surprised people. Bangladesh Janata Party, i.e., BJP, won only one seat in this election. Andaliv Rahman Partho has reached Parliament from Bholla-1 seat. Due to the name being BJP, there was a stir on social media also.

Is this the BJP of India?

The name is definitely similar, but it is a completely different party. Bangladesh Janata Party has no relation with Bharatiya Janata Party of India. It is a local level political unit, which has been active within a limited scope for a long time.

How big did BNP perform?

According to the data released by the Election Commission, out of 297 seats, 212 seats went to the account of BNP and its allies. BNP alone won 209 seats. This indicates a clear majority. The results left the opposition camp far behind.

What did the allies get?

Among the smaller parties included in the alliance, Ganasamhati Andolan, Bangladesh Janata Party and Gono Odhikar Parishad got one seat each. The numbers are small, but these seats matter in the picture of the alliance.

How was the performance of Jamaat-e-Islami?

Jamaat and its allies won a total of 77 seats. Jamaat got 68 seats. Political analysts say that the party had expected a better performance, but the figures were below expectations.

How strong was Partho's victory on Bholla-1 seat?

Andaliv Rahman Partho got 105,543 votes. His nearest rival, Jamaat candidate Mohammad Nazrul Islam, got 75,337 votes. The difference was clear. His hold at the local level is considered strong.

What did he say before the elections?

During the campaign, Partho had promised to make Bholla a modern district. He termed the Bholla-Barishal bridge, medical college and the door-to-door gas connection as priorities. Strict action against drugs and basic facilities was also on his agenda.

Who is Andaliv Rahman Partho?

They are not new faces. He has been an MP from this seat before also. He is a lawyer by profession and has been associated with the British School of Law in Dhaka. His father has also been an MP and minister from the same area. That means politics is not a new land for him.

What is the importance of this one seat?

The numbers may be one, but this victory in Bholla area can change the political equation. Partho's return is being seen as a new movement in local politics.