Bangladesh Elections: Tarique Rahman Vows to Stop Border Killings, Criticizes India Ahead of Polls

Dhaka: With Bangladesh’s national elections scheduled for February 12, 2026, border tensions with India and water-sharing issues have become key talking points. Tarique Rahman, the chief of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and the party’s prime ministerial candidate, has strongly highlighted these issues in his election campaign, sharply criticizing India’s Border Security Force (BSF) for alleged atrocities along the border.

BNP Promises to Address Border Violence

Rahman stated that a BNP-led government would prioritize stopping alleged killings at the India-Bangladesh border. “If BNP comes to power, preventing BSF’s killings on the border will be a top priority,” he said. He further emphasized that his government would take necessary measures to ensure peace along the frontier.

The BNP manifesto also stresses fair water-sharing agreements with India for rivers like Teesta and Padma, promising that Bangladesh will secure its rightful share.

Election Timeline

Voting will take place on February 12, with counting expected to begin immediately afterward. Election results are anticipated on February 13.

“Bangladesh First” Policy on Foreign Relations

BNP’s manifesto emphasizes a “Bangladesh First” approach in foreign policy. The party pledges to maintain friendly relations with all countries but asserts that no country will have dominance or interference in Bangladesh’s internal affairs.

In addition, the BNP has outlined plans to strengthen strategic partnerships with Gulf countries and to prevent any terrorist activities on Bangladeshi soil, signaling a cautious approach toward Pakistan while addressing India’s regional concerns.

No Alliance with Jamaat-e-Islami

In a recent interview with Reuters, Tarique Rahman ruled out any post-election alliance with the Jamaat-e-Islami party, the BNP’s main competitor. He stated that the BNP aims to secure a majority independently. “I cannot form a government with my political opponents. If they are in government, then who will be in opposition?” Rahman asked, adding that he expects Jamaat to play a constructive role as opposition.

With border security, water-sharing, and national sovereignty at the forefront, Tarique Rahman is positioning BNP as the party ready to assert Bangladesh’s interests independently while addressing longstanding bilateral tensions with India.