Pakistan and India Congratulate Tarique Rahman on BNP’s Landmark Victory in Bangladesh

Islamabad/Dhaka, February 13, 2026: Following Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s (BNP) decisive win in Thursday’s parliamentary elections, Tarique Rahman has received congratulatory messages from both Pakistan and India, signaling the start of a new regional diplomatic chapter. BNP is projected to secure over 200 of the 300 parliamentary seats, while Jamaat-e-Islami appears poised to win just over 60 seats. Tarique Rahman is set to become Bangladesh’s next Prime Minister, with formal confirmation expected soon.

Pakistani Leaders Extend Congratulations

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif congratulated Tarique Rahman, stating:
“I warmly congratulate Tarique Rahman for securing a remarkable victory for BNP in the parliamentary elections in Bangladesh. I also commend the people of Bangladesh for conducting successful elections. I look forward to working with the new leadership to strengthen our historic and fraternal bilateral ties and to advance our shared goals of peace, stability, and development in South Asia and beyond.”

President Asif Ali Zardari also issued a statement from the presidential office, congratulating Tarique Rahman on BNP’s sweeping victory and lauding the Bangladeshi people for a peaceful electoral process. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for democratic partnership and mutual progress between the two countries.

Electoral Performance of Tarique Rahman

Early results indicate that Tarique Rahman, contesting with the “Sheaf of Paddy” symbol, won Dhaka-17 with 72,699 votes, narrowly defeating Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Dr. Khaliduzzaman, who received 68,300 votes—a margin of 4,399 votes. In Bogura-6, Rahman secured 216,284 votes, while his closest rival from Jamaat, Abidur Rahman Sohel, received 97,626 votes.

India Extends Warm Wishes

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also congratulated Tarique Rahman, emphasizing Bangladesh’s democratic choice and expressing India’s readiness to work closely with the new leadership:
“I heartily congratulate Tarique Rahman on BNP’s landmark victory in Bangladesh’s parliamentary elections. This win reflects the trust of the Bangladeshi people in your leadership. India stands with a democratic, progressive, and inclusive Bangladesh, and I look forward to strengthening our relations and advancing our shared development goals.”

With both Islamabad and New Delhi extending support, Tarique Rahman’s government is poised to begin its tenure with an emphasis on stable regional ties and pragmatic diplomacy, balancing relationships with key neighbors while consolidating BNP’s domestic mandate.