Following the party’s victory in the 13th National Parliamentary Election, Tarique Rahman, Chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), said the party would remain committed to implementing its electoral pledges and 31-point reform agenda in line with the mandate given by the people. In his address to the nation, he stated that the freedom-loving and democracy-loving জনগণ of the country had once again brought BNP to victory. “Alhamdulillah. This victory belongs to Bangladesh; this victory belongs to democracy,” he said. Rahman added that, with the spontaneous participation of voters, an accountable parliament and government elected directly by the people are set to be established after more than a decade and a half.
Commitment to Rebuilding the State
Rahman said a new journey would begin through the reconstruction of what he described as a fragile economy, weakened law and order, and ineffective constitutional institutions left behind by authoritarian rule. If entrusted with the people’s mandate, BNP would gradually implement the state-reform blueprint it had presented before the election.
He noted that the party would work to implement every commitment outlined in its manifesto and the 31-point charter, which was formulated through consultations with various democratic parties. He also reaffirmed BNP’s commitment to the broader reform process, including its note of dissent in the “July Charter.”
Call for National Unity
In his speech, Rahman mentioned that 51 political parties participated in the election, including Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, National Citizen Party, Islami Andolon Bangladesh, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Bangladesh, and Gono Odhikar Parishad.
Congratulating all participating parties, he said, “Our paths and opinions may differ, but in the interest of the country we are united. National unity is our strength; division is our weakness.” He added that democracy would gain an institutional foundation if both the government and the opposition played responsible roles.
Directive to Maintain Peace and Order
Emphasizing the need to maintain peace and discipline in the post-election period, the BNP Chairman said law and order must be preserved at any cost. “No wrongdoing or unlawful activities will be tolerated under any circumstances,” he warned.
He revealed that party leaders and activists had been instructed not to organize victory processions to avoid any untoward incidents. Despite provocations, he urged them to remain calm and vigilant. He further cautioned that any aggression by the strong against the weak—regardless of political affiliation, religion, or differing opinions—would not be accepted.
Gratitude to Interim Government and Election Authorities
Rahman expressed thanks to the interim government, the Election Commission, the judiciary, the civil administration, the armed forces, and members of law enforcement agencies for organizing what he described as a free, fair, and neutral election.
He also acknowledged the significant role played by domestic and international media outlets and election observers.
Paying tribute to those who sacrificed their lives in the struggle for democracy—from the 1971 Liberation War to recent movements—he said the nation would forever remember their contributions to establishing a democratic Bangladesh.
Rahman also remembered former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, saying that her absence during such a historic and joyous occasion had left the party saddened. He expressed deep respect for her uncompromising stance against authoritarianism.
Pledge to Build a Humane and Democratic Bangladesh
In the concluding part of his address, Rahman said it was now time to rebuild the country. He called upon all citizens to contribute from their respective positions to control corruption, improve law and order, and ensure accountability in governance, with the goal of building a safe, humane, and democratic Bangladesh.
He ended his speech by congratulating and thanking democratic forces around the world, expatriate Bangladeshis, and the country’s freedom-loving people.
The press conference was attended by BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Standing Committee members Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, Mirza Abbas, Goyeshwar Chandra Roy, Abdul Moyeen Khan, Nazrul Islam Khan, Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, Salahuddin Ahmed, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, Selima Rahman, Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, AZM Zahid Hossain, and Altaaf Hossain Chowdhury, among other senior leaders.