DHAKA, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by Tarique Rahman, has emerged as the early front-runner in Thursday's general election in Bangladesh, according to primary results.
Data published by the leading local Somoy TV channel showed that, as of 10:00 p.m. local time, results from 90 seats have been announced from respective local offices, with the BNP currently in the lead by 52 seats at that stage. It also said the alliance of the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami party is in the second place with 38 seats.
Other media reports also show that the BNP is currently in the lead.
According to the Election Commission, a total of 2,028 candidates are contesting for 299 out of the 300 directly-elected parliamentary constituencies. The election for the last seat will be held later because of the death of a candidate.
In Bangladesh, a party can form the government only if it clinches 151 seats in total. Officials said the counting of votes will be done on the spot soon after voting concludes. ■
