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BNP's Tarique Rahman Calls for Unity After Decisive Election Victory

BNP chief Tarique Rahman has called for national unity and reconciliation following his party's decisive victory in Bangladesh's parliamentary elections. He framed the electoral outcome as a renewed mandate for democratic values and a collective struggle for democratic restoration. Rahman cautioned that the incoming administration faces serious challenges, including a fragile economy and weakened institutions. The victory marks a significant political resurgence for Rahman, who recently returned from 17 years in exile.

Key Points: BNP's Tarique Rahman Appeals for Unity After Election Win

  • BNP secures decisive election victory
  • Rahman appeals for national unity and reconciliation
  • Election marks political resurgence for Rahman
  • Incoming administration faces serious economic challenges
  • Awami League barred from participating
2 min read

"We must remain united": Tarique Rahman after BNP's decisive election triumph

BNP chief Tarique Rahman calls for national unity after a decisive election victory, framing the win as a mandate for democratic restoration in Bangladesh.

"Our paths and opinions may differ, but in the interest of the country, we must remain united. - Tarique Rahman"

Dhaka, February 14

In his first remarks after the Bangladesh Nationalist Party's decisive victory in the parliamentary elections, BNP chief Tarique Rahman called for national cohesion, framing the outcome as a renewed mandate for democratic values.

Addressing the nation following the announcement of results, Rahman appealed for reconciliation across political divides. "Our paths and opinions may differ, but in the interest of the country, we must remain united," he said, underscoring the need for collective purpose.

Emphasising the broader significance of unity, he added, "I firmly believe that national unity is a collective strength, while division is a weakness," linking his message directly to the responsibilities facing the country after the polls.

His appeal came as the Bangladesh Nationalist Party registered a sweeping performance in elections held on Thursday, the first national vote since the violent 2024 uprising that led to the removal of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina.

Reflecting the scale of the mandate, figures released by the Election Commission showed the BNP-led alliance securing 212 seats, while the Jamaat-e-Islami-led bloc won 77. Hasina's Bangladesh Awami League was barred from taking part in the elections.

Against this backdrop, Rahman opened his speech by thanking supporters and describing the verdict as an endorsement of democratic aspirations. "Freedom loving pro-democracy people of the country have once again brought victory to the Bangladesh Nationalist Party," he said.

He further stated, "This victory belongs to Bangladesh, belongs to democracy, this victory belongs to people who aspired to and have sacrificed for democracy," connecting the electoral outcome with what he characterised as a collective struggle for democratic restoration.

Even as he welcomed the results, Rahman cautioned that the incoming administration would face serious challenges. "We have paved the way for the establishment of democracy in the country," he said.

Highlighting the difficulties ahead, he added, "We are about to begin our journey in a situation marked by a fragile economy left behind by an authoritarian regime, weakening constitutional and structural institutions and destroying law and order."

The outcome represents a notable political resurgence for the 60-year-old leader, who returned to Bangladesh in December after 17 years in exile in Britain and re-entered national politics at a critical juncture.

Rahman is the son of former president Ziaur Rahman, who was assassinated in 1981, and former prime minister Khaleda Zia, a three-time officeholder and longstanding figure in Bangladesh's political landscape.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Unity after such a polarising election is easier said than done. The real test will be in governance, not just speeches. Bangladesh has been through a lot; their people deserve peace and development now.
R
Rahul R
Interesting to see the son of Ziaur Rahman taking charge. History repeating itself? The mention of a "fragile economy" is worrying. Hope they have a solid plan, for the sake of the common people there.
S
Sarah B
While the call for unity is noble, barring the main opposition party from the election raises serious questions about the process itself. A true democratic mandate requires inclusive participation.
K
Karthik V
As an Indian, I just hope this leads to less tension at the border. Our BSF jawans face enough challenges. A stable, friendly government in Dhaka is in everyone's interest. Jai Hind.
N
Nisha Z
🪇 A big change! Hope this means better days for Bangladesh-India relations. Trade, connectivity, and managing shared rivers like Teesta are so important. Let's see if actions match the words.

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