In a significant development signaling a potential shift in Bangladesh's polarized political landscape, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chief Tarique Rahman met with Jamaat-e-Islami chief Shafiqur Rahman and National Citizen Party leader Nahid Islam on Sunday, just two days before the BNP is set to form the next government following its landslide victory in the 13th National Parliamentary Election.
The BNP secured a two-thirds majority with 49.97 percent of the votes and 209 seats, marking a decisive end to the long-standing rivalry between Awami League chief Sheikh Hasina and the late BNP chief Khaleda Zia. Jamaat-e-Islami, historically opposed to Bangladesh's 1971 independence from Pakistan, achieved its best-ever performance with 31.76 percent of the votes and 68 seats.
Tarique Rahman visited Shafiqur Rahman at his residence, accompanied by BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. Shortly after the meeting, the BNP's media wing released a photograph capturing the two rival party leaders standing side by side, with Shafiqur Rahman holding a bouquet intended for Tarique Rahman.
“Following the historic landslide victory in the 13th National Parliamentary Election, BNP chairman Tarique Rahman today paid a courtesy visit to the Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Dr Shafiqur Rahman, at his residence,” the BNP posted on X, describing the meetings as a “positive political beginning” in post-election Bangladesh.
Jamaat-e-Islami welcomed the visit, stating on X that it “marks an important moment in our national political journey.” The party expressed hope that the engagement reflects “a spirit of dialogue and responsibility,” signaling “a new chapter of institutional maturity and mutual respect.”
During the discussions, Tarique Rahman reaffirmed that steps are being taken to address incidents of post-election violence, including actions to mitigate harm against opposition supporters and minority communities, according to Jamaat-e-Islami's post.
This meeting underscores a departure from Bangladesh's traditional two-party dominance, potentially fostering broader political collaboration as the BNP prepares to assume power.
