Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin today said the 13th national election is one of the good elections in the country’s history in any standard. He made the remarks at an official briefing from the Central Results Collection and Presentation Centre at Election Commission (EC) here.

The CEC said, “If you judge, it can be considered a pretty good election. I am feeling good. We promised to present an election in a festive atmosphere. We promised to present a completely neutral and credible election to the nation and we do believe we have achieved it. Everyone is recognising this.”

Expressing his gratitude to media and the country’s people, he said, “We are grateful to journalists, people, voters and political leaders.”

“With the overall cooperation of all, we have been able to present an acceptable election,” he said.

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman today said that the people of the country are now free from today. He said that pro-democracy people of the country have once again made the BNP victorious; and described this victory as a win for Bangladesh and for democracy, pledging to build a safe, humane, and democratic Bangladesh in the days ahead.

“Alhamdulillah, this victory belongs to Bangladesh. This victory belongs to democracy. This victory belongs to the people who yearn for democracy. From today, we are all free.”

Tarique Rahman made the remarks at a post-election press conference held in the Ballroom of the InterContinental Hotel in the city today. BNP Chairman said the people have paved the way for establishing democracy in the country by overcoming all obstacles. However, he noted that their journey must begin amidst a fragile economy left behind by fascism, dysfunctional constitutional and statutory institutions, and a weak law and order situation.

“After more than one and a half decades, a parliament and government accountable to the people are set to be established through direct voting. Everyone to remain united so that no anti-democratic force can re-establish fascism in the country or turn Bangladesh into a subservient state,” he said.

Tarique Rahman extended heartfelt congratulations to the 51 political parties that participated in the election, including Jamaat-e-Islami, NCP, Islami Andolan Bangladesh, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam, and Ganadhikar Parishad.

“In a democratic state and politics, political parties are essentially the lighthouses of democracy. If the government and the opposition each play a responsible role from their respective positions, democracy will undoubtedly become institutionalized,” he said.

Calling upon every democratic political party that participated in the election to share their ideas for nation-building, he stated, “Our paths and opinions may be different, but we are all united for the sake of the country. I believe national unity is our strength, and division is our weakness.”

He specially thanked the interim government and the Election Commission for successfully holding a peaceful, free, fair, and impartial election, dispelling all public doubts. Tarique Rahman also praised the role of all election-related officials, the armed forces, law enforcement agencies, and domestic and international media and observers.

Tarique Rahman expressed deep respect for those who were martyred or injured in the movement to establish democracy over this long period from the Liberation War of 1971 to the war to protect the freedom of the country and its people in 2024. He prayed for salvation of their departed souls. He also mentioned that the absence of the uncompromising leader and former Prime Miniter Begum Khaleda Zia weighs heavily on the party during this joyous moment.

He said, “In anticipation of such a democratic time for establishing people’s rights in the state and politics, she fought uncompromisingly against fascism. She never compromised with autocracy or fascism.”

Referring to BNP’s 31 point ‘roadmap for state repair’, he said, through consultations with other parties and the public, BNP has formulated its election manifesto. Highlighting BNP’s signature to the July Charter, Tarique Rahman assured that every commitment made to the people will be implemented in phases. BNP chairman said his party didn’t bring out any victory processions even after an absolute victory to maintain peace and order, but celebrating the triumph by offering gratitude to Allah.

He asserted, “My statement is clear: peace and order must be maintained at any cost. No injustice or illegal activities will be tolerated.”

He further said, “Regardless of party, opinion, religion, or caste, attacks by the powerful on the weak will not be accepted under any pretext. Justice will be the ideal. If the rule of law is not established, all our efforts will go in vain.”

He urged everyone to be cautious so that any misunderstandings arising from electoral competition do not turn into revenge or retaliation. While appealing to the pro-democracy people, the BNP Chairman said, “Just as we played role in the struggle to establish democracy, let us now each to play our part from our respective positions to build Bangladesh as a safe and humane state by controlling corruption, maintaining law and order, and ensuring accountability to the people.”

Concluding his speech, the BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman once again congratulated and thanked all democratic forces, expatriate Bangladeshis, and the freedom-loving people across the country for the victory.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Standing Committee Member Mirza Abbas, Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, Dr Khandakar Mosarrof Hossain, Nazrul Islam Khan, Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Major (retd) Hafiz Uddin, Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, Selima Rahman, Salahuddin Ahmed, Sultan Salauddin Mahmud Tuku,among others were present during the press conference.

Journalists from the local and foreign media joined the press conference. After concluding the written speech Tarique Rahman answered different questions from the journalists.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairman Tarique Rahman on Saturday said the party will follow a foreign policy that protects the country’s interests in its dealings with China, India, and Pakistan. Speaking to journalists at a post-election press conference at Hotel Intercontinental in Dhaka, Tarique said Bangladesh’s foreign policy will be guided by “the greater interests of Bangladesh and its people.”

Asked about the main challenges he would face as head of government, Tarique said, “We have several challenges. Our economy faces challenges, and the country’s law and order situation is a concern. We must ensure the security of the people. The previous government politicized almost all institutions. Therefore, we must ensure good governance.”

On Bangladesh’s future relations with China and the Belt and Road Initiative, Tarique said: “We will try to protect the interests of the people of Bangladesh. If something is not in Bangladesh’s interest, naturally we cannot pursue it. I am certain that mutual interests will be our first priority.”

Regarding the Belt and Road Initiative, he added: “If it benefits Bangladesh and supports the economy, we will make a decision.” When asked whether he would consult with youth in decision-making, Tarique said, “People have supported us, and we will certainly listen to the youth. But there are more people in this society. Everyone has some issue or the other; we have to listen to everyone.”

On reviving SAARC, Tarique said: “You know, SAARC was established through Bangladesh’s initiative. We want it to function. We will discuss with our friendly states and try to revive SAARC.”

Asked whether BNP would seek the extradition of Sheikh Hasina from India, he said: “That depends on the legal process.” Responding to another question on China, Tarique said: “They have been Bangladesh’s long-term development partners. We hope to create areas where we can work together.”

On plans to address a fragile economy, low investment, and inflation, the BNP chairman said: “We will bring in new investments and create employment.”

Tarique Rahman, chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), on Saturday called for maintaining law and order “at any cost” and sought cooperation from all in building a safe and humane Bangladesh. “We need everyone’s cooperation to build a safe and humane Bangladesh. This time, everyone must play a responsible role in rebuilding the country. No injustice can be done to anyone on any excuse. Law and order must be maintained at any cost,” Tarique said.

He made the remarks at an official press briefing in the afternoon at Hotel InterContinental in the capital after securing an absolute majority in the election. Tarique said the freedom-loving people of the country had made BNP victorious, describing the outcome as “the victory of the people.”

“From today, everyone is free. Congratulations to all. With the participation of all, the journey of a fascism-free state has begun in the country,” the BNP chairman said. He noted that besides BNP, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, NCP and Islami Andolon Bangladesh also participated in the election, which he described as peaceful. “Everyone’s thoughts are important in building the country. We will build the country based on everyone’s opinions,” Tarique said.

The BNP chairman thanked the Election Commission and congratulated the administration and all election officials. “Without your cooperation, such a beautiful election would not have been possible,” he added. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and other top party leaders were present at the press conference. Representatives of allied parties of the simultaneous movement and distinguished citizens were also in attendance.

Although it was a press briefing, a festive atmosphere prevailed as newly elected members of parliament from across the country and well-wishers gathered at the venue. Representatives of foreign media were also present.

Indian prime minister Narendra Modi on Friday talked to Bangladesh Nationalist Party chairman Tarique Rahman on the phone about his party’s decisive victory in the national polls held on Thursday. ‘Delighted to speak with Mr Tarique Rahman. I congratulated him on the remarkable victory in the Bangladesh elections,’ Modi said in a statement shared on his social media handle ‘X’.

He said that he had conveyed his best wishes and support in his endeavour to fulfil the aspirations of the people of Bangladesh. ‘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 said in the statement.

Earlier in the day, the Indian prime minister conveyed congratulations to BNP chairman Tarique Rahman on his party’s decisive victory in the 13th Jatiya Sangsad election. ‘I convey my warm congratulations to Mr Tarique Rahman on leading BNP to a decisive victory in the parliamentary elections in Bangladesh. This victory shows the trust of the people of Bangladesh in your leadership,’ said Modi in another statement shared on ‘X’.

He said India would continue to stand in support of a democratic, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh. ‘I look forward to working with you to strengthen our multifaceted relations and advance our common development goals,’ he said.

After a landslide victory with over two-thirds of parliamentary seats, the International Crisis Group on Friday said BNP will need to announce a strong cabinet and hit the ground running if it is to deliver on its ambitious election promises and meet the aspirations of the people of Bangladesh. ‘The BNP administration that is expected to take office in the coming days faces a number of daunting challenges, including boosting the economy, ensuring security and continuing the reform process,’ said Thomas Kean, Crisis Group’s Senior Consultant on Myanmar and Bangladesh.

Given the importance of this election in restoring faith in the democratic process among Bangladeshis, he said, it is also vital that any allegations of irregularities are taken seriously and the Election Commission handles them in a transparent manner in line with the law. The International Crisis Group is an independent organisation working to prevent wars and shape policies that will build a more peaceful world.

Kean said Bangladesh’s first ‘credible election’ in 17 years has been completed smoothly, with only isolated reports of violence or irregularities. The vote marks an important step towards the restoration of genuine democracy in Bangladesh, he said. The participating political parties, the interim government, the Election Commission and security agencies, not to mention the people of Bangladesh, deserve credit for their contributions to ensuring a safe and credible vote, Kean said.

The atmosphere was largely ‘festive, with voters appearing optimistic’ that the election would lead to lasting change in Bangladesh. ‘The turnout and strong support for a yes vote in the concurrent referendum on the July Charter – a series of reforms negotiated by all participating parties over the last year – reflect the credibility of both the election and reform process in the eyes of most Bangladeshis,’ Kean said.

The country’s largest islamist party, Jamaat-e-Islami, has recorded its best ever performance, he said. Together with some leaders of the student-led National Citizen Party who have also secured parliamentary seats, it now has the numbers to form a strong opposition capable of holding the government accountable, Kean said.

The United States has congratulated Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairman Tarique Rahman for the party’s historic victory in the 13th National Parliament Election.

“Congratulations to the people of Bangladesh on a successful election and to the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and Tarique Rahman on your historic victory,” US Embassy in Dhaka said in its official Facebook post this morning.

“The United States looks forward to working with you (Tarique Rahman) to realize shared goals of prosperity and security for both our countries,” it added.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) clinched a landslide victory with over two-thirds majority in the 13th general elections held on Thursday amid festivity allowing the BNP-led alliance to form the next government. The massive victory has paved the way for BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman to lead the government as the Prime Minister for the first time.

The Election Commission (EC) announced the unofficial results of 297 parliamentary seats out of the 299 where elections were held in a free and fair manner. It, however, postponed announcement of results in two seats – Chattogram-2 and Chattogram-4. However, voting in Sherpur-3 constituency was postponed due to death of a Jamaat-e-Islami candidate. According to the unofficial results, the BNP bagged 209 seats alone while its alliance partners Gano Odhikar Parishad one, Bangladesh Jatiya Party (BJP) one and Gano Sanghati Andalon one.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami secured 68 seats alone emerging as the main opposition party while its alliance partners National Citizen Party (NCP) won six seats, Bangladesh Khilafat Majlis two and Khelafat Majlish one. Islami Andolon Bangladesh bagged one seat and independent candidates won in seven constituencies. Meanwhile, the United States of America (USA), China, India and Pakistan congratulated Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairman Tarique Rahman for the party’s historic landslide victory in the 13th National Parliament Election.

According to the Election Commission, the voter turnout in the parliamentary polls was recorded 59.44 percent while it was 60.26 in the referendum. The referendum witnessed 4,80,74,429 ‘Yes’ votes and 2,25,65,627 ‘No’ votes. Foreign observers and independent polls monitoring groups said the election was held in a free, fair and peaceful manner, maintaining the world standard.

Earlier, voting began at 7:30 am across 42,779 polling centres in 299 constituencies nationwide. A total of 12,77,11,793 voters were registered to cast their ballots, including 6,48,25,361 males, 6,28,85,200 females, and 1,232 from the third gender. A total of 50 political parties contested the polls with 2,028 candidates including 273 independent, while BNP fielded the highest number of candidates of 291. Besides, a total of 83 female candidates contested the polls.

According to the EC, some 800,000 officials, apart from those involved in maintaining security and law and order, were on election duties. They included 69 returning officers, 598 assistant returning officers, 42,779 presiding officers, 247,482 assistant presiding officers and 4,95,964 polling officers. Besides, About 15,000 officials are engaged in postal voting duties.

EC officials earlier said that of the security personnel deployed, 103,000 were army troops, 8,500 navy sailors and airmen, alongside 37,453 paramilitary BGB soldiers and 3,585 paramilitary Coast Guard members. The number of policemen on poll duty was 187,603, while RAB personnel number was 9,349. The highest number of law enforcement personnel was drawn from Ansar, with personnel numbering 5,67,868.

Some 55,454 observers from 81 local organizations monitored the elections while the number of foreign poll monitors was 394. Nearly 200 foreign journalists arrived in Bangladesh to observe the elections and the referendum. Of the international observers, 80 represent various international organizations, while the rest come from different countries, including independent European observers.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday criticised Jamaat-e-Islami over its role during Bangladesh’s 1971 Liberation War, saying the party must clarify its position on the country’s independence.

“Jamaat leaders are currently making statements in television talk shows, online platforms and newspapers, but they should first explain their position during the country’s struggle for independence,” said Fakhrul while addressing a rally at Farabari High School ground in Thakurgaon.

“Where were you in 1971? Whose side were you on?” the BNP leader asked. He also alleged that Jamaat-e-Islami had assisted the Pakistani occupation forces during the Liberation War and attempted to obstruct Bangladesh’s independence.

There is no scope to forget about 1971 and just as the people would not forget 2024, when the country regained its democratic system, he added. The country achieved independence through the Liberation War and that history must never be erased, said the BNP leader. After 15 long years, the country now has a real opportunity to hold a fair, free and credible election, he said.

The interim government currently in charge and those who are elected through votes will form the government—that is their objective, he said. If people participate spontaneously and cast their votes, the election would become historic and widely acceptable, he hoped.

Referring to his political future, Fakhrul said this might be his last election, and pledged to establish an airport and a medical college in Thakurgaon, if elected, along with creating employment opportunities to reduce unemployment.

He also said the female voters of the district will be given training under the guidance of Tarique Rahman so that they can earn from home. “We must train our women and youth and create jobs by making them skilled and educated.”

Israeli tank shelling and airstrikes killed 24 Palestinians including seven children in Gaza on Wednesday, health officials said, the latest violence to undermine the nearly four-month-old ceasefire in the enclave. Among the dead was a medic who rushed to help victims of a strike in the southern city of Khan Younis and was then killed by a second attack on the same location, health officials said.

Other strikes hit Gaza City in the north, where health officials said a 5-month-old boy was killed. The attacks come three days after Israel reopened Gaza’s main border crossing with Egypt, a big step envisaged by the US-backed truce deal.

“While we were sleeping in our house, the tank shelled us and the shells hit our house, our children were martyred – my son was martyred, my brother’s son and daughter were martyred … We have nothing to do with anything, we are peaceful people,” said Abu Mohamed Habouch, speaking at a funeral for his family.

Tents in Mawasi, a coastal area near Khan Younis crowded with Gazans displaced by the conflict, had been ripped apart by the strikes. Nearly all of Gaza’s population of over 2 million were forced to flee their homes during the war.

The Israeli military said it launched the strikes in response to Palestinian militants opening fire on Israeli troops operating near its armistice line with Hamas. It said an Israeli soldier was severely injured by the militant fire, which it described as a violation of the ceasefire agreement.

A subsequent statement said one of the Israeli strikes had targeted a senior Hamas commander. A commander from Hamas’ smaller ally, Islamic Jihad, and his 11-year-old daughter were among those killed in strikes on Wednesday, according to relatives. The Israeli military later confirmed in a statement that it had killed an Islamic Jihad commander. Hamas said Israel’s actions undermined efforts to stabilise the ceasefire. In a statement, the group called for “immediate international pressure to halt violations.”

Palestinian patients preparing to cross through the newly opened Rafah crossing to Egypt were told that Israel had postponed the passage of patients through the border. Afterwards, Palestinian health authorities said that the group of patients was on their way to the border.

The Israeli agency that controls access to Gaza, COGAT, said the Rafah crossing remained open but it had not received the necessary details from the World Health Organization to facilitate crossings. The WHO did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

An Egyptian security source told Reuters that Israel had cited security issues in the Rafah area as the reason for the temporary closure, but those had since been resolved and work had resumed at the border. A spokesperson for the Palestinian Red Crescent Society said 46 people were set to cross to Egypt on Wednesday, but only 20 were able to travel to Egypt while the other 26 were returned to Gaza.

Reopening the crossing was one of the requirements under the October ceasefire that set out the first phase of US President Donald Trump’s plan to stop fighting between Israel and Islamist Hamas militants.

Sixteen patients from Gaza and 40 of their escorts crossed into Egypt on Tuesday, Gazan medics told Reuters. A Hamas police source told Reuters that at least 40 people crossed from Egypt to Gaza late on Tuesday.

On Saturday, before the Rafah reopening, Israeli strikes killed more than 30 Palestinians in Gaza. The military said it launched those strikes after gunmen emerged from a tunnel in a Gaza area under Israeli control.

Israel handed back 54 bodies and 66 boxes of human remains of Palestinians on Wednesday, according to Gaza’s health authorities, with the fragile ceasefire set to move towards its second phase. Trump declared the start of the second phase in January, in which the sides would negotiate the shattered enclave’s future governance and reconstruction.

Key issues like the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the over 50 percent of Gaza they currently occupy and the disarmament of Hamas remain unresolved, while the fragile ceasefire has been marked by near-daily violence.

Since the October start of the truce, Israeli fire has killed nearly 560 people, most of them civilians, according to Gaza health officials. Palestinian militants have killed four Israeli soldiers in the same period, Israeli authorities say.