In a speech marked as much by triumph as by caution, BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Saturday called for national unity to build what he described as a "safe, humane and democratic Bangladesh", following his party's sweeping victory in the 13th national election.

Addressing journalists at a packed press conference in a city hotel, Tarique framed the result not merely as a partisan success but as a broader democratic milestone. "This victory belongs to Bangladesh, to democracy and to the pro-democracy people," he declared in his opening remarks. Later, striking an even more emphatic tone, he added: "We all are free from today."

According to unofficial results, the BNP secured 209 seats in the parliamentary polls, handing the party a landslide win. Tarique himself was elected from both Dhaka-17 and Bogura-6 constituencies. Senior BNP leaders, including members of the party's standing committee, as well as local and foreign journalists, attended the event.

A victory beyond party lines

Tarique Rahman congratulated all 51 political parties that participated in the election, describing political parties as the "beacons of democracy" in a democratic state. The outcome represents "not just a triumph for the BNP, but also a victory for Bangladesh and for pro-democracy forces across the country", he said.

Thanking voters for overcoming what he termed "all obstacles", he said their "spontaneous participation" had paved the way for restoring democratic accountability. "With your spontaneous participation, after more than a decade and a half, a parliament and government accountable to the people through direct votes are set to be established," he said.

At the heart of his address was a call for unity. "National unity is strength, division is weakness," Tarique said, urging parties to rise above political differences. "Our paths and opinions may differ, but in the interest of the country we are one."

He stressed that both government and opposition would need to play responsible roles in institutionalising democracy, adding that constructive and democratic opinions from all sides would be vital in state governance.

Guarding against instability

Even amid celebration, Tarique struck a sober note about the challenges ahead. Referring to the country's "fragile economic and constitutional structures" and a "collapsed law and order situation", he sought cooperation from all quarters in rebuilding state institutions.

He warned against any relapse into authoritarianism. Unity, he said, was essential to ensure that "no force can ever again impose fascism or turn the country into a subservient state".

Law and order featured prominently in his remarks. Stressing the importance of the rule of law, Tarique said peace and order must be maintained "at any cost". "Regardless of party affiliation, religion, caste or opinion, attacks by the powerful on the weak will not be accepted under any pretext. Law will be applied equally to every citizen in accordance with due process," he said.

He also cautioned supporters against turning electoral rivalries into vengeance. "Misunderstandings may have arisen during competition in the field, but such differences must not turn into revenge or retaliation."

Addressing party activists directly, Tarique expressed gratitude for their years of sacrifice but urged restraint and responsibility. "Your biggest responsibility now is to build the country," he said.

Reform pledges and the July Charter

Reaffirming the BNP's reform agenda, Tarique said the party remained committed to implementing the July Charter. He noted that the BNP had presented a state reform outline and later finalised a 31-point agenda through consultations with democratic parties and citizens nationwide.

"We are committed to gradually implementing every promise made to the people," he said, positioning the programme as a roadmap for structural reform.

Acknowledgements and tributes

In a gesture of institutional recognition, Tarique thanked the interim government, the Election Commission, public administration officials, law enforcement agencies, the armed forces and polling officials for organising what he described as a fair election.

He also paid tribute to former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, saying her absence at what he termed a "moment of national joy" was deeply felt. "She fought uncompromisingly against fascism, never yielding to autocracy. On issues concerning the country and the people, she remained steadfast," he said.

Tarique prayed for the departed souls of those who had laid down their lives for democracy from the 1971 Liberation War to 2024 and wished a speedy recovery to those injured in the July uprising.

In closing, he extended his appeal beyond national borders, seeking cooperation from expatriate Bangladeshis and democratic communities worldwide in building a "safe, humane and democratic Bangladesh".

For the BNP leader, the landslide win is both an end and a beginning: the culmination of a long political struggle and, in his words, the start of a collective effort to rebuild institutions, restore accountability and redefine the country's democratic future.