The Bangladesh general election has set the stage for the return of Tarique Rahman and his Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) to power after more than two decades. The February 12 polls ended nineteen months of political uncertainty in Dhaka following the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League government amid student-led protests in 2024.
With Tarique Rahman’s swearing-in expected next week, attention has shifted to Dhaka’s likely approach towards former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who remains in exile in India.
Following BNP’s decisive two-thirds mandate, the party has sent mixed signals regarding its future ties with India and its position on Hasina’s extradition.
Cues for India in Tarique Rahman’s First Address
In his first address after the election victory, Tarique Rahman struck a conciliatory tone, calling for unity and emphasising democratic principles. He described Bangladesh as embarking on a new journey under challenging economic conditions.
“This victory belongs to Bangladesh. This victory belongs to democracy. This victory belongs to the people who have aspired to and sacrificed for democracy. From today, we are all free, with the true essence of freedom and rights restored,” Rahman said.
When asked about India-Bangladesh relations, Rahman underscored his “Bangladesh First” policy.
“The interests of Bangladesh and its people will determine our foreign policy,” he said.
Rahman reiterated that a BNP government would pursue balanced relations with neighbouring countries, including India, China, and Pakistan, and would not treat any nation as its “master”.
India Looks to Reset Ties
Soon after the election results, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among the first world leaders to speak with Rahman, congratulating him on the BNP’s victory.
In a social media post, Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to bilateral ties, highlighting the deep-rooted historical and cultural connections between the two nations.
“Delighted to speak with Mr. Tarique Rahman. I congratulated him on the remarkable victory in the Bangladesh elections. As two close neighbours with deep-rooted historical and cultural ties, I reaffirmed India’s continued commitment to the peace, progress, and prosperity of both our peoples,” Modi wrote.
The BNP welcomed Modi’s message and signalled its intent to maintain constructive engagement with New Delhi.
“We look forward to engaging constructively with India to advance our multifaceted relationship, guided by mutual respect, sensitivity to each other’s concerns, and a shared commitment to peace, stability, and prosperity in our region,” the party said.
A senior BNP leader also indicated that an invitation to Modi for Rahman’s swearing-in ceremony was being considered.
BNP’s Position on Hasina
Even as diplomatic signals emerged, BNP leaders reiterated their demand for Sheikh Hasina’s extradition from India.
Senior BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed said the party would continue to press for Hasina’s return under existing legal frameworks.
“We always press for her extradition according to the law. This is between the foreign ministries of the two countries. We have asked the government of India to please send her back to face trial in Bangladesh,” Ahmed said.
Hasina has been living in India since August 5, 2024, after resigning amid widespread protests. In November 2025, Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) convicted her in absentia on charges linked to the 2024 crackdown and sentenced her to death.
Rahman, responding to questions on the issue, maintained that any move would depend on due legal process.
“That depends on the legal process,” he said.
The Awami League was barred from contesting the February elections. Hasina dismissed the polls as a “well-planned farce”, claiming low voter participation reflected public rejection. However, the Bangladesh Election Commission reported a turnout of 59 percent across 299 constituencies.
The BNP secured 209 seats, comfortably achieving a parliamentary majority, while its allies won three additional seats.
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