In his first press conference since the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) secured a crushing victory in the national elections, Prime Minister-elect Tarique Rahman emphasized that the “interests of Bangladesh and its people” would be the sole driver of the country’s foreign policy.
The statement, made on February 14, 2026, marks the beginning of a new era for Bangladesh after nearly two decades of rule by the now-banned Awami League. Rahman’s comments reflect a “balanced” diplomatic approach, signaling a shift away from what the BNP has characterized as the “country-dependent” policies of the previous administration.
Election 2026: The Landslide by Numbers
The February 12 elections saw a dramatic return to the polls for the Bangladeshi electorate, with a significant jump in participation compared to previous cycles.
| Key Metric | 2026 Election Statistics |
| Total Seats Won (BNP Alliance) | 212 out of 299 (Two-thirds majority) |
| BNP Standalone Seats | 209 |
| Main Opposition (Jamaat-e-Islami) | 77 Seats (Alliance) / 68 (Standalone) |
| Voter Turnout | ~60% (Up from 42% in 2024) |
| Referendum Approval | 60.26% “Yes” for the July Charter reforms |
Navigating the India-Bangladesh Reset
The relationship with New Delhi remains a primary focus. While Rahman has pledged to maintain “multifaceted relations,” several complex issues are already on the table:
- Extradition of Sheikh Hasina: The BNP has formally announced its intent to seek the extradition of former PM Sheikh Hasina from India, where she has been in exile since her ouster in August 2024.
- Minority Safety: India has expressed serious concerns over attacks on the Hindu minority community during recent months of unrest. Rahman’s team has countered that their “democratic and inclusive” mandate will prioritize the safety of all citizens.
- Economic Sourcing: As the new government looks to tackle inflation and unemployment, advisers suggest a diversification of trade partners beyond traditional dependencies.
Diplomatic Outreach
Despite historical friction, early signs of a diplomatic “thaw” are visible. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among the first world leaders to congratulate Rahman, holding a phone call on Friday to discuss “shared development goals.”
“India will continue to stand in support of a democratic, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh,” PM Modi posted on X.