Dhaka, February 14, 2026 – The Europe Today: Tarique Rahman, chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), on Saturday called for national unity to rebuild the country after his party secured a decisive two-thirds majority in the general elections.
The BNP won 209 seats in the 300-member parliament in Thursday’s polls, positioning the party to form the next government with Rahman expected to assume the office of prime minister, according to media reports. The Jamaat-e-Islami-led alliance secured 77 seats and is set to sit on the opposition benches.
Meanwhile, the Awami League, led by former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, was barred from participating in the election. Hasina’s government was ousted in 2024 following widespread student protests and a subsequent crackdown that reportedly left around 1,400 people dead.
In his first address since the election, Rahman acknowledged the significant challenges facing the nation, including a fragile economy, weakened constitutional institutions, and a deteriorating law and order situation.
“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. However, if the people’s strength is with us, no obstacle can stop us,” he said.
Outlining his government’s priorities, Rahman stressed the importance of unity across political and social divides. “National unity is our strength, division is our weakness,” he said, urging citizens to remain united in the interest of national progress.
He described the election outcome as a triumph for democratic values. “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,” Rahman declared.
On foreign policy, he emphasized that the incoming administration would pursue a pragmatic approach guided solely by national interests. “We do not have any country-centric policy. Our decisions will be based on Bangladeshi interests,” he stated.
Rahman also pledged to uphold justice and the rule of law, warning against any form of injustice or abuse of power. “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,” he said.
The BNP’s sweeping mandate marks a significant political shift in Bangladesh, setting the stage for a new chapter in the country’s governance amid expectations of economic recovery, institutional reform, and strengthened democratic processes.
