Tarique Rahman Signals ‘Bangladesh First’ Policy, Speaks Firmly On Sheikh Hasina Issue

Dhaka: BNP (Bangladesh Nationalist Party) has got a resounding victory in the recently held general elections in Bangladesh. Tariq Rehman's party won 212 out of 299 seats, while the Jamaat-e-Islami alliance got only 77. This election was the first major one after the 2024 student movement, which toppled Sheikh Hasina's government. Now after almost 20 years, BNP is coming back to power, and Tariq Rahman is going to become the Prime Minister. Tariq Rehman was in exile in London for 17 years; he came back only in December.

What did Tariq Rehman say after the victory?

In his first speech after the victory, Tariq Rehman thanked the entire country and asked everyone to maintain unity. He said, "This victory is not just of our party, but of the entire country, of democracy." Dedicated to those who sacrificed for democracy – especially students. Promised that the new government will protect the rights of the people, take the country on a better path, bring the economy back on track, increase jobs and curb corruption. He also appealed to keep the atmosphere calm.

Delighted to speak with Mr. Tarique Rahman. I congratulated him on the remarkable victory in the Bangladesh elections.

I conveyed my best wishes and support in his endeavour to fulfil the aspirations of the people of Bangladesh.

As two close neighbours with deep-rooted…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 13, 2026

What did you say about relations with India?

Tariq Rahman clearly said that his government will put the interests of Bangladesh first. Neighboring countries – India, China, and Pakistan – want balanced and respectful dialogue with everyone. No big fight, but Bangladesh's advantage is on top. BNP also said that they want to continue cooperation with India – trade, border, water sharing, everything will be discussed. There's not a tight friendship like Hasina, but we will maintain good relations.

VIDEO | “The interests of Bangladesh and its people will determine our foreign policy,” says BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman in response to a question on ties with India.

(Full video available on https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/olakg8htte

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 14, 2026

Did Modi ji talk to Tariq Rehman?

As soon as the results came, PM Narendra Modi immediately called and congratulated him. Both the leaders talked and emphasized further strengthening India-Bangladesh relations. Modi also wrote on X that he will support fulfilling the expectations of the people of Bangladesh. BNP also said that it will work with India in a positive and cooperative manner.

Will the issue of Sheikh Hasina arise again?

After the victory, Sheikh Hasina's name came into limelight again. BNP leaders are saying Hasina should be brought back to Bangladesh to face legal action – extradition may be sought. But Tariq Rehman did not say anything directly; he just said that whatever decision will be taken, it will be as per the law. 

Where is Sheikh Hasina now?

She has been in India since August 2024. She had fled when the government fell following the student movement. She has been living here since then, and there is always a discussion going on regarding her extradition to Bangladesh. Now with the coming of BNP government, this issue may become more heated.

What do the election results say?

BNP has got more than two-thirds majority – that means there is no tension in forming the government. Also, the constitutional changes demanded by the students (like two-term limit for PM, bicameral parliament, and more representation for women) were also passed in the referendum. This is a big turning point in Bangladesh politics – a new era after 15 years of Hasina's strict rule. Everyone's eyes are on how the new government will bring stability to the country, how it will handle the economy (inflation and unemployment are big problems), and how it will manage relations with its neighbors. The voice of youth and students will now be stronger.