BNP says open to fostering ‘forward-looking relationship with Pakistan’ after election win

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on Saturday welcomed congratulatory messages sent to it by Pakistan’s leaders on its election victory and said it was open to cultivating a “forward-looking relationship” going ahead. 

The centre-right BNP has achieved a landslide victory in parliament on Friday, just 18 months after mass protests led to the removal of the country’s longest-serving prime minister, Sheikh Hasina.

In the historic general election, the BNP secured over two-thirds of parliamentary seats, while Jamaat-e-Islami, the nation’s main religious party, finished second. Tarique Rahman, the BNP leader, is poised to become the next prime minister, facing the dual challenges of reviving the economy and restoring democratic institutions.

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had previously shared congratulatory messages, describing his victory as “decisive” and “resounding”.

The BNP welcomed these gestures today.

Responding to the president’s message, the BNP said Bangladesh and Pakistan shared a history that had seen both challenges and cooperation, yet their people had continued to value dialogue, respect and regional engagement.

“We remain hopeful that, in the years ahead, our two countries will further strengthen constructive ties, expand economic and people-to-people connections, and work together for a more peaceful and prosperous South Asia.”

In its response to PM Shehbaz, the party said it appreciated his kind words regarding the successful conduct of the elections and the democratic spirit of the people.

It said the mandate reflected the confidence of the citizens of Bangladesh and reinforced their commitment to inclusive governance, stability and national development.

“Bangladesh acknowledges the recent positive momentum in our engagements and remains open to fostering a forward-looking relationship with Pakistan based on mutual respect, sovereign equality, and constructive dialogue. We look forward to exploring avenues of practical cooperation that contribute to regional peace, stability, and shared progress in South Asia.”

In its message for National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, the BNP said it noted the importance of continued parliamentary and people-to-people engagement between the two countries and remained committed to a “forward-looking relationship based on mutual respect, sovereign equality and constructive dialogue.

“We hope that enhanced exchanges at parliamentary and institutional levels will contribute to greater understanding, regional stability and shared development in South Asia.”

“Bangladesh values the close and longstanding ties between our two countries and remains committed to a measured, forward-looking approach grounded in mutual respect, sovereign equality, and constructive dialogue.

“We look forward to continued exchanges that promote understanding and contribute to regional peace, stability, and sustainable development,” the party said in a response to Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi.

To Pakistan Peoples Party Vice President Senator Sherry Rehman, the BNP said it remained committed to a forward-looking and respectful engagement that was guided by sovereign equality and mutual understanding.

“We hope that continued dialogue and practical cooperation will contribute positively to regional peace, stability, and shared progress in South Asia.”

PM Shehbaz had engaged the BNP leadership a day ago after its successful electoral performance and affirmed his resolve to work together with the new administration for regional peace.

The ouster of the Awami League government led to the rapprochement between Pakistan and Bangladesh.

They signed a number of agreements in August 2025 aimed at enhancing cooperation in trade, diplomacy, media, education, and cultural exchanges, marking a significant step forward in efforts to reset relations after years of frosty ties.