Dhaka, Feb 6 (V7N) – International media outlet The Economist has identified the Tarique Rahman-led Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) as the “favourite” to win the February 12 national election, according to an analysis published on Thursday.

In an article titled “The new Bangladesh is only half built,” the magazine described the polls as the first genuinely competitive election in Bangladesh since 2008, calling it a “seminal moment” in the country’s political history.

“The BNP is the favourite to win,” the analysis stated, noting that the party—long led by former prime minister Khaleda Zia—is now being fronted by her son, Tarique Rahman.

The article observed that while concerns over potential election-related violence had persisted for months, such fears had so far not materialized, which it described as encouraging.

According to The Economist, the election contest is largely between two long-established political forces, both of which were persecuted under the previous regime. It identified Jamaat-e-Islami as BNP’s principal rival, describing it as Bangladesh’s “largest and most moderate Islamist outfit.”

Despite predicting a BNP advantage, the magazine cautioned that Bangladesh’s long-term success would depend on sustained political reform, warning that “whoever wins will have a lot to do.”

The analysis highlighted the economy as the country’s most pressing challenge, noting that the interim government led by Nobel laureate Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus managed to prevent economic collapse but failed to implement deeper structural reforms.

As Bangladesh prepares to graduate from the UN’s list of least developed countries later this year, The Economist stressed the need for improved industrial efficiency, increased government revenue—currently about 7 percent of GDP compared to a 20 percent Asian average—and decisive action against red tape and corruption.

The magazine also underscored the importance of relations with India, noting that many Bangladeshis are frustrated by what it described as false portrayals of Bangladesh as hostile to minorities. It said the interim government was “too ready to needle India” and advised the next administration to reset bilateral ties.

Concluding its analysis, The Economist said the election represents an important milestone but emphasized that the “hard job of building a new Bangladesh has only just begun.”

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