Following the Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s (BNP) sweeping victory in the 12 February national election, party Chairman Tarique Rahman addressed the nation, expressing gratitude to voters, political parties, and all those who contributed to what he described as a free, fair, and peaceful electoral process.
In his first public statement after unofficial results showed his party securing a massive mandate, Rahman declared the victory as belonging not only to the BNP but to the people of Bangladesh and democracy itself.
“The freedom-loving, pro-democracy people of the country have once again brought victory to the BNP, Alhamdulillah. This victory belongs to Bangladesh. This victory belongs to democracy,” he said.
Rahman congratulated the citizens of the country for overcoming obstacles and paving the way for the establishment of democracy after more than 15 years. He acknowledged the challenges ahead, pointing to the fragile economy, weakened institutions, and deteriorating law and order left behind by the previous authoritarian regime.
He urged the nation to remain united to prevent autocracy from returning and to safeguard the country’s sovereignty.
Extending his congratulations to all 51 political parties that participated in the election, Rahman emphasised the importance of political parties as the “true beacons of democracy.”
“If both the government and the opposition play responsible roles from their respective positions, democracy will surely take institutional form in the country,” he said.
He called on all democratic parties to work together in the national interest, adding that while opinions may differ, unity is strength.
Rahman also expressed deep gratitude to the interim government and the Election Commission for ensuring a credible and peaceful election. He praised the efforts of judicial officials, public administration, armed forces, law enforcement, and all those involved in the electoral process.
He did not forget the role of the media and observers, both domestic and international, in strengthening electoral integrity.
Paying tribute to those who sacrificed their lives or were injured in movements for democracy – from the 1971 War of Independence to the 2024 mass uprising – he said their contributions would never be forgotten.
“Throughout this long journey, those brave individuals whose blood and sacrifices paved the difficult path toward today’s democratic Bangladesh, I express my deepest respect,” he said.
Reaffirming the party’s commitment to its 31-point agenda and the July Charter, Rahman assured the nation that all promises made in the election manifesto would be gradually fulfilled, Insha’Allah.
He acknowledged the absence of the party’s former leader, the late Begum Khaleda Zia, in this moment of victory, saying her resolute struggle against fascism until the last days of her life remained an inspiration.
Turning to party workers, Rahman urged calm and vigilance in the post-election period. Despite the landslide victory, he instructed BNP and allied party members to refrain from holding victory processions.
“We have celebrated this victory by offering thanks to Almighty Allah,” he said, adding that peace and order must be maintained at any cost.
He warned that no wrongdoing or unlawful activity would be tolerated, and that the rule of law would apply equally to all citizens, regardless of party, religion, or opinion.
“Justice will be our guiding principle. If the rule of law is not established, all our efforts will be in vain,” he said.
Rahman also called on the public to move beyond electoral rivalries and ensure that any misunderstandings during the campaign do not turn into revenge or retaliation.
In closing, he sought cooperation from all citizens, regardless of political affiliation, in the journey toward building a safe, humane, and democratic Bangladesh.
“With congratulations and thanks once again to all democratic forces around the world, to all expatriate Bangladeshis, and to the freedom-loving people of our country on this victory, I conclude my speech,” he said.
