Dhaka [Bangladesh], February 14 (ANI): In his first remarks after the Bangladesh Nationalist Party's (BNP) decisive victory in the parliamentary elections, BNP chief Tarique Rahman called for national cohesion, framing the outcome as a renewed mandate for democratic values.

Addressing the nation following the announcement of results, Rahman appealed for reconciliation across political divides. 'Our paths and opinions may differ, but in the interest of the country, we must remain united,' he said, underscoring the need for collective purpose.

Emphasising the broader significance of unity, he added, 'I firmly believe that national unity is a collective strength, while division is a weakness,' linking his message directly to the responsibilities facing the country after the polls.

His appeal came as the Bangladesh Nationalist Party registered a sweeping performance in elections held on Thursday, the first national vote since the violent 2024 uprising that led to the removal of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina.

Reflecting the scale of the mandate, figures released by the Election Commission showed the BNP-led alliance securing 212 seats, while the Jamaat-e-Islami-led bloc won 77. Hasina's Bangladesh Awami League was barred from taking part in the elections.

Against this backdrop, Rahman opened his speech by thanking supporters and describing the verdict as an endorsement of democratic aspirations. 'Freedom loving pro-democracy people of the country have once again brought victory to the Bangladesh Nationalist Party,' he said.

He further stated, 'This victory belongs to Bangladesh, belongs to democracy, this victory belongs to people who aspired to and have sacrificed for democracy,' connecting the electoral outcome with what he characterised as a collective struggle for democratic restoration.

Even as he welcomed the results, Rahman cautioned that the incoming administration would face serious challenges. 'We have paved the way for the establishment of democracy in the country,' he said.

Highlighting the difficulties ahead, he added, 'We are about to begin our journey in a situation marked by a fragile economy left behind by an authoritarian regime, weakening constitutional and structural institutions and destroying law and order.'

The outcome represents a notable political resurgence for the 60-year-old leader, who returned to Bangladesh in December after 17 years in exile in Britain and re-entered national politics at a critical juncture.

Rahman is the son of former president Ziaur Rahman, who was assassinated in 1981, and former prime minister Khaleda Zia, a three-time officeholder and longstanding figure in Bangladesh's political landscape. (ANI)