New Delhi: Bangladesh Nationalist Party chief Tarique Rahman on Saturday called for unity across political lines in his first speech after the party’s sweeping win in the parliamentary elections. While addressing supporters, he said the mandate was not just a victory for the BNP but for democracy itself and urged rival groups to put aside differences in the interest of the country.
“Our paths and opinions may differ but in the interest of the country, we must remain united,” Rahman said. He dedicated the win to those who in his words had sacrificed for democratic rights and stood firm during difficult times.
The election was held on Thursday, the first since the violent 2024 uprising led to the ouster of the former prime minister Sheikh Hasina. According to the Election Commission, the BNP-led alliance secured 212 seats while the Jammat-e-Islami-led bloc won 77. Bangladesh Awami League was barred from contesting the polls.
Rahman calls for stability
Rahman acknowledged that the road ahead would not be easy. He said the new government would inherit a fragile economy, weakened institutions and lost law and order, which would need urgent attention.
The BNP chairman told party workers that they had paved the way for restoring democracy. Not just that, he also hinted at the scale of the rebuilding process awaiting the incoming administration.
The triumph marks a dramatic political comeback for the 60-year-old leader who returned to Bangladesh in December after spending 17 years in exile in Britain. He is the son of former president Ziaur Rahman and former prime minister Khaleda Zia.
Opposition accepts verdict
Shafiqur Rahman of Jammat-e-Islami initially questioned aspects of the vote but later conceded defeat saying his party would act as a responsible opposition.
With more than two-thirds majority, the BNP’s return finally signals a major shift in Bangladesh’s political landscape after months of unrest and uncertainty.