Bangladesh Elects Tarique Rahman in Landslide Victory: A New Dawn for the South Asian Nation

Rahman's victory signals potential for renewed Bangladesh-India ties and renegotiation of international trade agreements

Story: Tarique Rahman's Historic Election Win Sets Stage for New Era in Bangladesh

Published: February 17, 2026 at 09:07 AM

Story Summary

Tarique Rahman, leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, has secured a historic landslide victory in the Bangladesh elections after a 17-year exile. His win sets the stage for a new era in the country, with potential for improved relations with India and a reshaping of international trade agreements. This significant political transition marks the return of the BNP to power after two decades and the first male Prime Minister in decades.

Full Story

Tarique Rahman Sweeps to Victory in Bangladesh Election, Aims for Unity and Renewed Ties with India

In a historic turn of events, Tarique Rahman, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chief, scored a landslide victory in the Bangladesh elections, marking a reversal of fortune for the leader who lived in exile for 17 years. This victory has set the stage for Rahman to lead the South Asian nation of 170 million people, following the first polls since the deadly uprising of 2024.

A Historic Win

Rahman, who returned from a 17-year exile just two months ago, dedicated the win to those who sacrificed for democracy. In a statement, he emphasized, This victory belongs to Bangladesh, belongs to democracy. The BNP secured an absolute majority in the election, winning over 200 seats in the 300-member parliament, according to media projections. The party is set to return to power after two decades.

Interim leader Muhammad Yunus, who had overseen the country's post-uprising transition since 2024, stepped down after the elections, urging the continuation of democracy. Yunus, in his farewell address, highlighted that his 18-month tenure had rebuilt the fundamental foundations of the country's foreign engagement: sovereignty, national interests, and dignity.

Swearing-in and Forward-Looking Statements

The newly elected MPs, including Rahman, were sworn into parliament on February 17, with hundreds of people gathering outside Dhaka's parliament grounds. This marked the first instance of elected representatives since the 2024 uprising.

In the wake of the victory, Rahman urged opposition parties to work with the incoming BNP government. He also reached out to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, inviting him to attend the swearing-in ceremony. This gesture suggests a potential easing of strained relationships between the two countries.

Potential Reset of India-Bangladesh Ties

Analysts suggest that a reset of the frayed relationship between India and Bangladesh is possible, but it will require both restraint and reciprocity. Rahman's foreign affairs adviser stated that 'national interest' will guide the BNP on the Ganga Water Treaty renewal, urging India to make a clean break from the past and realize that Awami League does not exist in Bangladesh any more.

Looking Ahead

As Bangladesh turns a new leaf with Rahman at the helm, the country is looking to renegotiate some trade agreements deemed unfavorable, especially with the US, according to a top aide to Rahman. These decisions, along with the potential reset of ties with India, are expected to shape Bangladesh's foreign relations under the new government.

This landmark election marks a significant shift in Bangladesh's political landscape, with the BNP returning to power after two decades and the first male Prime Minister in decades set to lead the nation. As the new government takes office, the world watches with keen interest.