Dhaka, Feb. 15 -- In the election, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has secured nearly 37.5 million votes -- accounting for 49.97 percent of all ballots cast.

A total of 291 candidates contested under the "Sheaf of Paddy" symbol to amass the tally, with the BNP set to form the government after claiming 209 seats.

The Jamaat-e-Islami, meanwhile, recorded its highest-ever vote and seat count.

Contesting under the "Weighing Scale" symbol, the party won more than 22.5 million votes, or 31.76 percent, and finished second with 68 seats.

The parliamentary elections and referendum were held on Thursday.

Three days later, on Sunday, the Election Commission Secretariat released the official vote figures.

The "Yes" vote's victory in the ...