Bangladeshi-Origin Dolly Begum Makes History in Canadian Federal By-Election

Dolly Begum has made history in Canadian politics by becoming the first person of Bangladeshi origin elected as a Member of Parliament in a federal by-election.

She secured a landslide victory on Monday as the Liberal Party candidate in the Scarborough Southwest riding of Toronto.

According to CBC News, in her first speech after being declared the winner, Begum thanked residents of her constituency as well as her late husband, Rizwan. “I am incredibly proud of each and every one of you and what we have achieved together,” she said.

The by-election results also strengthened the position of the Liberal Party led by Prime Minister Mark Carney. With victories in two Toronto ridings, the party has secured a single-party majority in the House of Commons of Canada.

In a statement congratulating the newly elected MPs, Carney said voters have placed their trust in the government’s plans, and his administration will work to fulfill those expectations.

Prior to the by-election, the Liberals held 171 seats. With Begum’s victory, their total has risen to 174, ensuring a stable majority. This majority is expected to allow Prime Minister Carney to govern effectively and pass key legislation with greater ease until the next general election in 2029.