Bangladesh's Tarique Rahman calls for national unity after landslide election win

Bangladesh Nationalist Party Chairperson Tarique Rahman issued a unifying call Saturday in his first address following the party's decisive electoral victory, emphasizing national cohesion as essential for rebuilding the South Asian nation. The BNP secured 209 seats in Thursday's parliamentary elections, a commanding two-thirds majority that positions Rahman to assume the prime ministership by February 18. The Jamaat-e-Islami-led alliance claimed 77 seats and will form the opposition, while the Awami League of ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina remained barred from participation following the 2024 uprising that claimed approximately 1,400 lives.

Challenges Ahead and Democratic Vision

"We are taking office at a time when we have to start our journey through a fragile economy, ineffective constitutional institutions, and weak law and order situation left by a fascist regime," Rahman acknowledged, while expressing confidence that popular support would overcome obstacles. He outlined a principled approach to governance, declaring: "We will not tolerate any kind of injustice or illegal activities. Regardless of party, opinion, religion, ethnicity, or differing views, we will not accept any attack by the strong against the weak under any pretext."

Foreign Policy and National Strength

On international relations, Rahman indicated Bangladesh would pursue a flexible foreign policy determined solely by national interests rather than country-centric alignments. "National unity is our strength, division is our weakness," he stressed, urging all citizens to remain united. His address celebrated the democratic transition: "This victory belongs to democracy, this victory belongs to Bangladesh, this victory belongs to the democracy-loving people of the country. From today, we are free." The speech signals the incoming administration's priorities of institutional rebuilding, social justice, and inclusive governance.