Day after election: Calm Dhaka, no victory celebrations

The day after the national parliamentary election, no victory processions or celebrations were seen in the capital Dhaka. The city's major roads, political party offices and intersections remained largely quiet.

From morning, visits to Motijheel, Paltan, Shahbag, Farmgate and Dhanmondi areas revealed that although election results began to be announced, there were no large-scale victory processions or gatherings of supporters anywhere. While a limited presence of party activists was seen in a few places, it remained minimal.

Usually, after a national election, activists of the winning party celebrate through processions, motorcycle rallies or distributing sweets. However, that familiar scene was absent this time. Even in front of the central offices of political parties, crowds were comparatively thin.

Law enforcement officials said the election has been completed peacefully. No untoward incidents occurred surrounding the result announcements. The situation remains calm and under control. No violence was reported anywhere.

In the past, elections and their outcomes often triggered tensions, clashes and fights among political parties and their supporters, but no such incidents occurred this time. Both voting and result declarations were completed in a largely peaceful environment.

Meanwhile, following the Bangladesh Nationalist Party's (BNP) historic official victory in the 13th National Parliamentary Election, party chairman Tarique Rahman has instructed the organisation to hold special prayers and supplications at mosques across the country after Jumu'ah prayers on Friday. He also prohibited any victory processions or rallies.

The BNP media cell confirmed this information late Thursday night, quoting Tarique Rahman's press secretary Saleh Shibli.

Regarding the programme, it was stated that BNP chairman Tarique Rahman has instructed the party to offer gratitude to Almighty Allah and hold special prayers and supplications across the country after Jumu'ah prayers on Friday. However, he has also instructed that no victory processions or rallies be held anywhere.

Accordingly, BNP organised special prayers at mosques nationwide and refrained from celebrating with rallies or victory processions.

It is noteworthy that the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its allies have won 212 seats in the 13th National Parliamentary Election. Jamaat-e-Islami and its allies have secured 77 seats.