Tarique Rahman sets ‘Bangladesh first’ tone for India ties in first post-election address

Dhaka: Tarique Rahman, who led the BNP to a landslide victory with 212 of 297 seats in Bangladesh’s first elections since Sheikh Hasina’s ouster, outlined a pragmatic foreign policy in his debut speech Saturday.

Likely to become prime minister after returning from 17 years in exile, Rahman emphasized that “the interests of Bangladesh and its people will determine our foreign policy” toward India and beyond, echoing his pledge for balanced ties with regional powers like China and Pakistan without any as a “master.”

His adviser, Humayun Kabir, reinforced this to India Today: “What we want are balanced relations. We will not limit our relationships to a single country.” The win sidelined the radical Jamaat-e-Islami, positioning the BNP—seen in New Delhi as a more liberal alternative despite past tensions—as Bangladesh’s new force.

For India, the shift ends the “golden period” under Hasina and follows strains under Muhammad Yunus’s interim regime, which tilted toward China and Pakistan. New Delhi moved swiftly: Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Rahman on X even before results, posted support for a “democratic, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh,” and held a phone call. Sources indicate an invitation for Modi to Rahman’s swearing-in as Dhaka seeks a reset.

India’s outreach predates the polls, including External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s visit for Khaleda Zia’s funeral in December 2025, signaling intent to build multifaceted ties amid the BNP’s ‘Bangladesh First’ agenda.