Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chairman Tarique Rahman, who is set to become the next Bangladesh Prime Minister after securing a decisive mandate in this week’s general election, on Saturday addressed his first press conference following the victory.
Rahman, whose BNP won 209 of the 297 declared seats (out of a total of 300), indicated that his government will pursue an independent foreign policy that is in the interests of Bangladesh and its people.
“We have made ourselves clear about foreign policy; the interest of Bangladesh and the interest of the people of Bangladesh come first,” the BNP leader told the media in Dhaka.
Calling Bangladesh was now “free”, Rahman said the South Asian nations is experiencing the true essence of freedom.
“This victory belongs to Bangladesh. This victory belongs to democracy. This victory belongs to the people. From today, we are all free, with the true essence of freedom and rights restored. I congratulate the people of Bangladesh for overcoming all obstacles and paving the way for the establishment of democracy in the country,” he stated.
#WATCH | Dhaka, Bangladesh: BNP chairman Tarique Rahman says, “We have made ourselves clear about foreign policy, the interest of Bangladesh and the interest of the people of Bangladesh come first.” pic.twitter.com/RBmOgZ5ogJ
— ANI (@ANI) February 14, 2026
‘Bangladesh shouldn’t become a subservient state’
The BNP chief, however, cautioned that the country must remain vigilant and must not allow Bangladesh to become a subservient state. He also called on all political parties to work together to help democracy thrive in the country.
“To ensure that no evil force can reestablish autocracy in the country and that the nation is not turned into a subservient state, we must remain united and uphold the will of the people. In a democratic state and political system, political parties are the true beacon of democracy. If both the government and the opposition play responsible roles from their respective positions, democracy will surely take an essential form in the country.
“I call upon all democratic political parties that participated in the elections that your ideas and views are important to us in the nation-building process. Our pasts and opinions may differ, but in the interest of the country, we must remain united. I firmly believe that national unity is our collective strength, while division is our weakness,” he stated.
Other BNP leaders too indicated that their government would maintain good relations not just with neighbours but all countries.
“Our national interest is the top priority. On the basis of equality and national interest, we will maintain relationships not only with our neighbours but also with all countries in the world,” BNP leader Md Ismail Jabiullah was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.
Another BNP leader, ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milan, too said in response to a question on foreign policy, “Friends to all, malice to none,” indicating the tone the incoming government will take.
When asked if the new Bangladesh government was planning to invite Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi among other South Asian leaders for the swearing-in ceremony, Ehsanul added, “I don’t know exactly what they’re doing, but hopefully they’ll invite everyone. I don’t know exactly, but he (PM Modi) should be invited. It’s general courtesy. The organisers will do it. I hope the whole world will be with us.”