Bangladesh is poised to have a male prime minister for the first time in 35 years

Bangladesh is likely to have a male prime minister for the first time in around 35 years, following unofficial results from the 13th National Parliamentary Election indicating a sweeping victory for the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its alliance.

Preliminary figures suggest the BNP-led alliance has secured a clear majority in parliament and is on course to form the next government.

Party insiders say BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman is set to assume the role of prime minister.

If confirmed, his appointment would mark the first time since 1989 that the country has had a male head of government. The last male prime minister was Kazi Zafar Ahmed. Since 1990, Bangladesh has largely been led by women.

Over the past three decades, leadership alternated mainly between former BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and Sheikh Hasina of the Bangladesh Awami League, both of whom served multiple terms as prime minister.

However, the results remain unofficial, and the final outcome will be formally announced by the Election Commission before the new government is constituted.