BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman, tipped as Prime Minister following his party's landslide victory in Thursday's national election, in his first post polls press conference on Saturday emphasised that his government's main responsibilities will be to improve the economy, restore law and order, and establish a fair, accountable and non-partisan administration.
* Implementation of 31-point state reform plan will happen in phases
* Unity among political parties and citizens urged
* Judiciary will remain independent
* Sheikh Hasina's return will follow legal processes
* Foreign policy to prioritize country's interests
He stressed that "law and order must be maintained at all costs" and that no mob violence, revenge, or provocative activities will be tolerated.
He urged party leaders and activists to remain calm and vigilant during the post-election period.
"Misunderstandings or tension may occur in some areas, but they must not turn into revenge or violence," he said.
Tarique Rahman reaffirmed that fairness will be the guiding principle,
"No matter the party affiliation, religion, caste, or opinion, the strong attacking the weak will not be accepted under any pretext."
He added that the law will apply equally to everyone, whether from the government or the opposition. "Democracy cannot survive without the rule of law," he said, stressing that justice must be impartial and implemented according to statutory rules.
Celebration of a Democratic VictoryCongratulating the people for BNP's victory, Tarique Rahman declared, "This is a victory for Bangladesh. This is a victory for democracy. This is a victory for the people who love democracy. From today, we are all free."
He described the election as a turning point after years of fragile institutions, weak law enforcement, and economic challenges under what he called "fascism."
Tarique Rahman thanked the citizens for their participation in creating a government accountable to the people through direct votes after more than 15 years.
"Everyone must remain united so that no evil force can establish fascism again and turn the country into a slave state," he warned.
He also congratulated all parties that participated in the elections, including Jamaat-e-Islami, NCP, and Islami Andolan Bangladesh, emphasizing that their perspectives matter in building the country. "Our paths may differ, but we are united in the interest of the country," he said.
Commitment to Democratic Governance and ReformTarique Rahman highlighted BNP's 31-point plan for state reform, developed through discussions with democratic parties and citizens. He reaffirmed that the party would implement all commitments in phases and noted the signing of the July Charter, with certain dissenting points, as part of the reform roadmap.
Remembering late party chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, he said her absence weighs heavily on the party and democracy. "She fought against fascism to establish the rights of the people. She never compromised with dictatorship and remained firm in protecting the country's interests," he said, asking for forgiveness from Allah for her.
He stressed that the people have once again entrusted BNP with governing the country and that the party must repay this faith by improving living standards and ensuring a good governance aimed at guaranteeing the welfare and rights of all people.
"Despite hundreds of tortures and oppressions, you did not leave the streets. You remained firm in the struggle to establish democracy. Now it is time to build the country. Each of us must play a responsible role in rebuilding the nation," Tarique Rahman said.
Diplomacy and International RelationsAnswering questions from journalists, Tarique Rahman said Bangladesh's foreign policy will prioritize national interest. Regarding the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) cases, he stated that the judiciary is fully independent, and no political influence will interfere and influence ICT proceedings.
On the potential return of Sheikh Hasina from India, he said extradition will follow legal procedures with no political interference. On regional cooperation, Tarique Rahman expressed commitment to reviving SAARC and promoting stability between India and Pakistan.
Regarding relations with China and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), he said, "The interests of the people of Bangladesh will always be given the highest priority. The government will move forward positively only if such initiatives benefit the country's economy."
Call for Unity and Responsible PoliticsTarique Rahman emphasised that political parties are the main pillars of democracy. If both government and opposition act responsibly, democracy will be firmly established.
He congratulated the Election Commission, administration, and law enforcing agencies for conducting a free, fair, and peaceful election despite initial doubts.
"Victory for democracy and human rights was celebrated peacefully and responsibly. I urge all BNP leaders and workers to remain calm and vigilant despite provocations," he said.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, members of the party's standing committee, and other senior leaders attended the press conference.
