BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman has pledged to implement, in phases, every commitment made to the people.
He made the remarks at a press conference held at 3:30pm on Saturday at the ballroom of Hotel InterContinental, in the presence of local and foreign journalists.
In the 13th National Parliamentary Election held on February 12, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) secured 208 out of 297 seats, achieving an absolute majority and returning to power after two decades. Tarique Rahman is set to become prime minister for the first time after being elected as a member of parliament.
Following the victory, he faced the media at the press conference, which opened with remarks by BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and concluded with a statement by Standing Committee Member and Election Management Committee Chairman Nazrul Islam Khan.
Tarique Rahman said the BNP had formulated its 31-point reform outline through consultations with people across the country as a democratic party. The party manifesto was based on that 31-point agenda.
He added that BNP had also signed the July Charter, mentioning a “note of dissent” on several issues.
“We will implement, step by step, every expected commitment we have made to the people,” he said.
Referring to the party’s renewed mandate, he said the people had once again entrusted the BNP, founded by the proclaimer of independence, with the responsibility of running the state. “The people have shown their trust and love for BNP. We must now work in unity and with dedication to improve their standard of living and repay that trust,” he added.
He described the victory as belonging to the country and to democracy. “This is a victory for Bangladesh, for democracy, and for the people who cherish democracy. From today, we are all free. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the people of the country. Despite many obstacles, we have paved the way for the restoration of democracy,” he said.
Calling on party leaders and activists to remain calm and vigilant, he urged restraint to prevent any untoward incidents in the post-election period. “Even in the face of provocation, I am asking leaders and activists across the country to stay peaceful and cautious,” he said.
He noted that despite the landslide victory, he had instructed party members and alliance partners not to hold victory processions to avoid any instability. “We celebrated our victory by offering prayers of gratitude,” he said.
Emphasizing the need to maintain peace and order, the BNP chief said restoring law and order would be a top priority. “No form of violence, retaliation or provocative activity will be tolerated. My position is clear: peace and order must be maintained at any cost,” he stated.
He stressed that justice would be the guiding principle of his government. “Without establishing the rule of law, all efforts will fail. The law will be equal for every citizen, whether from the ruling party, the opposition, or holding a different opinion. The application of law will follow due process,” he said.
On foreign policy, in response to a question about relations with India, he said Bangladesh’s foreign policy would be determined by safeguarding the broader interests of the country and its people.
Asked about the key challenges he expects to face as head of government, he cited the economy and law and order as major concerns. “We must ensure the security of the people. The previous government politicized almost all institutions. We must ensure good governance,” he said.
Regarding whether BNP would seek the extradition of Sheikh Hasina from India, he said the matter would depend on legal procedures. On China, he described the country as a long-standing development partner and expressed hope for continued cooperation.
Khaled Mohiuddin, journalist from New York-based media outlet Thikana. asked how difficult the election had been for BNP and whether any “engineering” was involved in securing victory. Tarique Rahman replied that the real challenge was convincing the people and ensuring a fair and conducive environment. “Any worthwhile goal requires effort,” he said.
Responding to a question from The Independent in the UK about balancing relations with India, Pakistan and China, Standing Committee Member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury said BNP’s foreign policy would apply equally to all countries and would not revolve around any single state.
At the end of the press conference, Tarique Rahman and Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir flashed the victory sign. Earlier, Rahman entered the ballroom wearing a white shirt and was greeted with applause from party leaders. He raised his hand in greeting to journalists upon arrival.
Among others present at the press conference were Standing Committee members Mirza Abbas, Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Abdul Moyeen Khan, Nazrul Islam Khan, Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, Salahuddin Ahmed, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, Selima Rahman, Hafiz Uddin Ahmed and AZM Zahid Hossain.