Bangladesh Nationalist Get together (BNP) chairman Tarique Rahman addresses a press convention in Dhaka on February 14, 2026.
| Photograph Credit score: AFP
Bangladesh’s prime minister-in-waiting Tarique Rahman known as on Saturday (February 14, 2026) for all to stay united and devoted his sweeping win to those that “sacrificed for democracy”.
Mr. Rahman’s Bangladesh Nationalist Get together (BNP) gained a landslide victory within the elections on Thursday (February 12), the primary since a lethal 2024 rebellion ousted the iron-fisted rule of Sheikh Hasina.
The BNP alliance gained 212 seats, in contrast with 77 for the Jamaat-e-Islami-led alliance, in line with the Electoral Fee.
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“Our paths and opinions could differ, however within the curiosity of the nation, we should stay united,” Mr. Rahman stated in his first speech because the election.
“I firmly imagine that nationwide unity is a collective energy, whereas division is a weak spot.”
Jamaat chief Shafiqur Rahman, 67, had initially alleged “inconsistencies and fabrications” within the vote, however earlier on Saturday (February 14) he conceded, and stated he would “function a vigilant, principled, and peaceable opposition”.
Ms Hasina’s Awami League occasion was barred from collaborating.
The success of BNP chief Rahman, 60, marks a exceptional turnaround for a person who solely returned to Bangladesh in December after 17 years in exile in Britain, removed from Dhaka’s political storms.
His father, president Ziaur Rahman, was assassinated in 1981, whereas his mom, Khaleda Zia, served three phrases as Prime Minister and dominated nationwide politics for many years.
“Freedom loving pro-democracy individuals of the nation have as soon as once more introduced victory to the Bangladesh Nationalist Get together,” he added, in an preliminary speech in English, earlier than switching to Bangla.
“This victory belongs to Bangladesh, belongs to democracy, this victory belongs to individuals who aspired to and have sacrificed for democracy,” he stated.
He stated the brand new authorities he’ll lead faces daunting challenges.
“We have now paved the best way for the institution of democracy within the nation,” he added.
“We’re about to start our journey in a state of affairs marked by a fragile economic system left behind by an authoritarian regime, weakening constitutional and structural establishments and destroying regulation and order.”
Printed – February 14, 2026 04:10 pm IST