BNP ‘favourite’ for upcoming Bangladesh polls

Staff Reporter :

Global media outlet The Economist has described the Tarique Rahman-led Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) as the “favourite” to win the February 12 national election in an analysis published Thursday.

Titled “The new Bangladesh is only half built,” the article notes that the BNP, historically led by former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, is now fronted by her son Tarique Rahman.
“It is a seminal moment: the first competitive vote in Bangladesh since 2008.

For months observers have worried that violence would break out. So far, thankfully, they have been proved wrong,” the analysis reads.

The piece highlights that the election is largely a contest between Bangladesh’s two long-established parties, both previously persecuted under the old regime, with Jamaat-e-Islami described as the country’s “largest and most moderate Islamist outfit.” Nevertheless, “The BNP is the favourite to win,” it reiterates.

While noting BNP’s prospects, The Economist emphasized that Bangladesh’s progress depends on sustaining reform efforts. “Whoever wins will have a lot to do,” the article states, pointing to the economy as the nation’s most urgent challenge.

It praised the interim government led by Nobel laureate Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus for preventing economic disaster but stressed that significant reforms are still required.

The analysis highlighted key areas for improvement, noting that Bangladesh, set to graduate from the least developed countries group this year, must enhance factory efficiency, raise government revenue (currently 7 percent of GDP versus 20 percent across Asia), reduce red tape, and tackle corruption that hinders business.

The Economist also underlined the importance of foreign relations, particularly with India.

It observed that Bangladeshis were frustrated when Indian officials “falsely paint Bangladesh as tainted by anti-Hindu rage” and suggested that the next government must reset ties, following an interim administration that was “too ready to needle India.”

Finally, the outlet stressed the need for domestic political renewal, calling the election a welcome milestone but cautioning that “the hard job of building a new Bangladesh has only just begun.”

In summary, while the BNP enters the election as the front-runner, The Economist underscores that whoever assumes power faces significant economic, diplomatic, and political challenges to ensure sustained growth and stability.