- International reactions followed swiftly, with United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio congratulating the BNP and the Bangladeshi people, expressing Washington’s willingness to work with the new government to promote regional security and prosperity.
- Rahman’s rise marks a dramatic political comeback after returning to Bangladesh in December following 17 years in exile in the United Kingdom.
- The son of former president Ziaur Rahman and former prime minister Khaleda Zia, he now stands poised to lead the country into a new political era following one of the most consequential elections in its recent history.
Bangladesh’s prime minister-in-waiting Tarique Rahman has called for national unity following a sweeping electoral victory by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in the country’s parliamentary elections, marking a decisive shift in the nation’s political landscape.
Addressing supporters in his first speech after the results, Rahman dedicated the victory to citizens who “sacrificed for democracy,” stressing the importance of overcoming political divisions.
“Our paths and opinions may differ, but in the interest of the country, we must remain united,” he said, adding that national cohesion represents strength while division weakens the country.
Official results published by the Bangladesh Election Commission confirmed the scale of the BNP-led alliance’s victory. The coalition secured 212 of the 299 parliamentary seats, while a Jamaat-e-Islami-led alliance won 77 seats. reports Al-Jazeera.
The National Citizen Party, formed by youth activists involved in the 2024 uprising, captured only six of the 30 constituencies it contested.
Interim leader Muhammad Yunus, who is preparing to hand over power to the newly elected government, congratulated Rahman on what he described as a “landslide victory,” expressing confidence that the incoming leadership would guide Bangladesh toward stability, inclusiveness, and economic development.
Despite earlier concerns about vote counting, Jamaat-e-Islami accepted the overall outcome of the election, pledging to act as a peaceful and principled opposition. The party said it respected the rule of law and would play a constructive role in parliament.
The election was held without participation from the Awami League, the party of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, which was barred from contesting the vote.
International reactions followed swiftly, with United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio congratulating the BNP and the Bangladeshi people, expressing Washington’s willingness to work with the new government to promote regional security and prosperity.
Rahman’s rise marks a dramatic political comeback after returning to Bangladesh in December following 17 years in exile in the United Kingdom.
The son of former president Ziaur Rahman and former prime minister Khaleda Zia, he now stands poised to lead the country into a new political era following one of the most consequential elections in its recent history.
