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US Envoy Hails BNP's Landmark Win, Tarique Rahman Set to Lead Bangladesh

US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen has publicly congratulated the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and its chairperson Tarique Rahman on their landmark election victory. Unofficial results indicate the BNP-led alliance has secured 210 parliamentary seats, paving the way for a new government. Tarique Rahman, son of former President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, is poised to lead the nation, marking the return of a male Prime Minister after nearly 35 years. The US expressed its intent to collaborate with Bangladesh on shared goals of prosperity and security.

Key Points: US Ambassador Congratulates BNP, Tarique Rahman on Election Win

  • US Ambassador congratulates BNP on victory
  • Tarique Rahman set to become Prime Minister
  • BNP-led alliance wins 210 seats
  • Marks return of male PM after 35 years
2 min read

US Ambassador to Bangladesh congratulates BNP, Tarique Rahman on landmark election win

US Ambassador Brent T. Christensen congratulates BNP and Tarique Rahman on historic election victory, as unofficial results show alliance win.

"Congratulations to the people of Bangladesh... and to the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and Tarique Rahman on your historic victory. - Brent T. Christensen"

Dhaka, Feb 13

US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen on Friday congratulated the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and its chairperson, Tarique Rahman, on their landmark victory.

He noted that the US looks forward to collaborating with Bangladesh to achieve mutual goals of prosperity and security.

"Congratulations to the people of Bangladesh on a successful election and to the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and Tarique Rahman on your historic victory. The United States looks forward to working with you to realise shared goals of prosperity and security for both our countries," Christensen posted on X.

The BNP and its alliance have claimed a decisive victory in the 13th parliamentary elections, local media reported on Friday, citing unofficial results.

The announced results showed that the BNP-led alliance has won 210 seats, setting the stage for the formation of a new government led by BNP.

Citing party sources, Bangladeshi Bengali daily, Jugantor, reported that party chairman Tarique Rahman is set to lead the government, marking the return of a male Prime Minister in Bangladesh after almost 35 years.

Following the vote count on Thursday night, the unofficial results from various constituencies were announced.

According to unofficial results from the Dhaka-17 constituency, Tarique secured 72,699 votes, defeating his closest rival, Jamaat-e-Islami candidate S.M. Khaliduzzaman, who received 68,300 votes, Bangladeshi Bengali daily Prothom Alo reported.

Additionally, BNP Chairman Tarique was unofficially elected from Bogra-6 constituency, receiving 216,284 votes from 150 centres. His nearest rival, Jamaat candidate Abidur Rahman Sohel, secured 97,626 votes under the party's scale symbol.

Earlier on Thursday, Tarique expressed satisfaction after casting his vote in the national election, stating that he remains fully confident about his party securing victory, according to local media reports.

When asked about his expectations regarding the election results, the BNP chief maintained strong confidence in his party's prospects. He stated that he and his party are "100 per cent hopeful" of winning the election.

Tarique is the son of former Bangladeshi President Gen. Ziaur Rahman, who rose to power following a series of coups and counter-coups and later founded the Bangladesh Nationalist Party before assuming the presidency in 1977.

He is also the son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, who governed Bangladesh during two separate tenures from 1991 to 1996 and from 2001 to 2006.

Following Khaleda Zia's death in December last year, Tarique assumed leadership of the BNP and is now set to lead the nation.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The US ambassador's quick congratulations is telling. It shows where their interests lie. As an Indian, I just hope the new leadership in Dhaka continues the positive trajectory of India-Bangladesh relations. Our cultural and economic ties are too important.
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Aman W
Tarique Rahman coming to power after his mother... feels very dynastic, no? Bangladesh has had strong women leaders for decades. Hope this shift doesn't mean a step back on progressive policies. Wishing our neighbors the best.
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Sarah B
Watching from abroad. The US engagement here is strategic, clearly. A stable Bangladesh is crucial for countering Chinese influence in the Bay of Bengal. India must navigate this carefully to protect its own strategic interests.
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Vikram M
The main thing is that the election process was peaceful and the result accepted. That's democracy working. Bangladesh's growth story is impressive and we need a reliable partner next door. Hope the new PM focuses on development, not old politics.
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Karthik V
With respect, I have to question the timing and tone of the US congratulation. It feels like an endorsement rather than a simple diplomatic note. External powers should let the region manage its own affairs. Our history is complex enough.

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