Bangladesh Elections 2026: What BNP Chief Tarique Rahman Said in His First Speech After Landslide Victory

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chairman Tarique Rahman on Saturday called for maintaining law and order “at any cost” after his party secured a sweeping victory in parliamentary elections. Addressing a press conference a day after the polls, Rahman urged cooperation from all sections of society to rebuild the country following a period of political instability. “We need everyone’s cooperation to build a safe and humane Bangladesh. This time, everyone must play a responsible role in rebuilding the country,” Rahman said. “No injustice can be done to anyone on any excuse. Law and order must be maintained at any cost,” he was quoted as saying by The Dhaka Tribune.The BNP won more than two-thirds of the seats in the 13th parliamentary elections,

according to the Election Commission. The party secured 209 out of 297 declared seats. The right-wing Jamaat-e-Islami won 68 seats. Results in two constituencies - Chattogram-2 and Chattogram-4 - were postponed, while voting in one seat was deferred following the death of a candidate.

The elections recorded a voter turnout of 59.44%, the commission said.Rahman, who is set to become prime minister for the first time, will replace interim government chief Muhammad Yunus.He described the outcome as a public mandate. “From today, everyone is free. Congratulations to all. With the participation of all, the journey of a fascism-free state has begun in the country,” Rahman said. “Everyone’s thoughts are important in building the country. We will build the country based on everyone’s opinions,” he added.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GHjtEHhcN8A

The election was held after months of political uncertainty and fragile security conditions. The unrest followed student-led protests in August 2024 that ended the 15-year rule of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Her Awami League party was barred from contesting the latest polls.Bangladesh has faced episodes of violence and attacks on minority communities in the aftermath of the political upheaval.