Victory belongs to people who have sacrificed for democracy: Tarique Rahman addresses Bangladesh after landslide victory 

DHAKA: BNP Acting Chairman and Prime Minister-designate Tarique Rahman addressed the nation after returning to power in Bangladesh after a 19-year wait. Tariq Rahman also dedicated the historic victory of the BNP with a two-thirds majority in the general election held on February 12 to those who sacrificed their lives and struggled for the restoration of democracy.

The country held its first general election since the ouster of Sheikh Hasina's government in a popular uprising in 2024. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party is returning to power after two decades.

Tarique Rahman said that the true essence of freedom and rights has been restored in the country and Bangladesh is now free. “Our paths 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 said. Tariq Rahman warned that "invisible forces" and "sinister activities" are attempting to derail the democratic process, particularly in the lead-up to elections.

The BNP has won a landslide victory in the Bangladesh parliamentary elections, winning 209 of the 299 seats. With a two-thirds majority of the total seats voted, the BNP will be able to form a strong government without the support of other parties.