Dhaka, Feb. 17 -- The air across the country is thick with the scent of rosewater and syrupy sweets, punctuated by the deafening roar of processions. As dusk fell over the South Plaza of parliament, the reality of a new era took hold.

After two decades in the wilderness and nearly two decades of anticipation, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has returned to the helm, ushering in Tarique Rahman as the nation's new premier.

However, the composition of the 49-member government -- a strategic blend of veteran stalwarts and fresh technocrats -- has created a vivid map of political "haves" and "have-nots".

The Heartland Rejoices

In Bogura, the atmosphere was nothing short of electric. For the locals, this was not just an election resu...