BNP Leader Tarique Rahman Announces 'People-First' Foreign Policy Direction
In his inaugural address following a sweeping electoral triumph, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chief Tarique Rahman declared on Saturday that Dhaka's foreign policy would be fundamentally guided by the principle that "people come first." This overarching philosophy, he emphasized, will extend to all international relationships, including the crucial bilateral ties with neighboring India.
National Interest as the Central Pillar of External Engagement
Addressing the nation after his party secured a decisive mandate, Rahman stated unequivocally that the country's national interest would remain the absolute central focus of his government's external engagements. When specifically questioned about the future of relations with New Delhi, the BNP leader provided a clear response: "The interests of Bangladesh and its people come first and it will determine our foreign policy." This statement sets a definitive tone for a new chapter in regional diplomacy.
A Call for National Unity After Decisive Electoral Mandate
Rahman utilized this significant platform to issue a powerful call for national unity, urging all political forces to collaborate for the greater good of the nation. "Our paths and opinions may differ, but in the interest of the country, we must remain united," he asserted. The BNP-led alliance achieved a commanding victory, winning 212 seats in the parliamentary elections, which marked the first polls since the 2024 uprising that resulted in the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The Election Commission confirmed that the Jamaat-e-Islami-led alliance secured 77 seats, while Hasina's Bangladesh Awami League was barred from contesting.
In a poignant moment, Rahman dedicated this historic victory to the pro-democracy advocates of Bangladesh. "Freedom loving pro-democracy people of the country have once again brought victory to the Bangladesh Nationalist Party," he proclaimed. "This victory belongs to Bangladesh, belongs to democracy, this victory belongs to people who aspired to and have sacrificed for democracy."
Adviser's Remarks on Regional Radicalisation and 'Balanced Relations'
Even as Rahman adopted a measured and principled tone on foreign policy, his adviser, Humayun Kabir, made pointed remarks concerning radicalisation within the South Asian region. In an interview with PTI, Kabir identified radicalisation as a significant problem, noting, "We see Hindu extremism and far-right intolerance growing in Indian society, and in Pakistan, we also hear of extremist elements. In Bangladesh, it is not at that level, but there are some issues."
Kabir advocated for enhanced regional cooperation and intelligence sharing to effectively counter extremism. He clarified that a BNP-led government would actively pursue "balanced relations" with all nations, including India, moving away from perceptions of over-alignment with any single country. "What we want are balanced relations. We will not limit our relationships to a single country," Kabir stated, indirectly referencing criticisms leveled at the previous administration.
Prime Minister Modi Extends Congratulations and Reaffirms Ties
Shortly after the election results were formally declared, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his warm congratulations to Tarique Rahman on his party's decisive victory. In a post on the social media platform X, PM Modi wrote: "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." He further added, "I look forward to working with you to strengthen our multifaceted relations and advance our common development goals."
PM Modi also engaged in a direct conversation with Rahman, reiterating India's steadfast commitment to nurturing close bilateral ties. In another X post, the Prime Minister noted, "Delighted to speak with Mr. Tarique Rahman. I congratulated him on the remarkable victory in the Bangladesh elections." He conveyed his "best wishes and support in his endeavour to fulfil the aspirations of the people of Bangladesh." In response, the BNP expressed gratitude to India for recognizing the electoral verdict and voiced optimism for strengthened relations under the new government.
Analyzing the Political Shift: Implications for India-Bangladesh Relations
The return of Tarique Rahman to power signifies a substantial political transformation in Dhaka. The 60-year-old leader, son of former president Ziaur Rahman and former prime minister Khaleda Zia, returned to Bangladesh in December after spending 17 years in exile in the United Kingdom.
Under the tenure of Sheikh Hasina, India and Bangladesh cultivated notably close strategic and security partnerships. However, bilateral relations experienced some strain following her political ouster. Historical context reveals that the BNP's earlier terms in government, particularly during its 2001–06 coalition with Jamaat-e-Islami, were periodically marked by friction with India, as New Delhi raised concerns about insurgent groups allegedly operating from Bangladeshi territory. In contrast, India had consistently viewed Hasina as a reliable partner on security cooperation matters.
Despite this complex history, Rahman has recently signaled a pragmatic and forward-looking approach. In previous communications, he has stressed the importance of "mutual respect and mutual understanding" as the foundation for relations with India. The next phase of bilateral engagement is expected to navigate several sensitive and longstanding issues, including border security management, alleged illegal migration, equitable water-sharing of transboundary rivers like the Teesta, and the safety and security of minority communities.
The protection of the Hindu community remains a particularly closely monitored issue. In a tragic incident just days before the elections, a 62-year-old Hindu trader, Susen Chandra Sarkar, was brutally hacked to death in Mymensingh district. Authorities have confirmed that investigations into this attack are ongoing. India has previously expressed profound concern over attacks targeting minorities in Bangladesh, describing them as a matter of grave concern for regional stability and communal harmony.
