After Landmark Win, Rahman Vows To Build Safe, Humane Bangladesh

DHAKA, Feb 14 (Bernama-dpa) — Bangladesh's incoming leader Tarique Rahman has pledged to transform the turbulent South Asian nation into a safe and humane country by fighting corruption, restoring order, and ensuring accountability, reported German Press Agency (dpa).

“We must fight to make Bangladesh safe and humane, the same way we fought for democracy,” said prime minister-in-waiting Rahman on Saturday during his first news conference since the election.

Rahman's Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) secured a stunning victory in Thursday's election, earning a two-thirds parliamentary majority. 

The 60-year-old is set to form Bangladesh’s next government as prime minister, expected to be in place by Monday.

The election, which was largely peaceful, marked the first election since a student-led uprising ousted former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, bringing an end to her 15-year rule nearly a year and a half ago.

An interim government headed by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus, installed after the 2024 unrest, oversaw the election.

Rahman, who returned to Bangladesh in December after 17 years of exile, outlined his vision for the country on Saturday, pledging to "control corruption, restore law and order, and remain accountable to the people".

He dedicated the election victory to the people of Bangladesh and to those who sacrificed their lives for the struggle of democracy.

"Our paths and opinions may differ, but we are all united for the sake of the country. I believe national unity is our strength, and division is our weakness," he added.

— BERNAMA-DPA