Tarique Rahman’s First Reaction On India-Bangladesh Ties Ahead Of Taking PM Post

The February 12 general elections in Bangladesh have brought Tarique Rahman and his Bangladesh Nationalist Party back to power after more than two decades, marking a decisive political shift in Dhaka.

The results end nineteen months of uncertainty that followed the fall of Sheikh Hasina's Awami League government in 2024 after student led protests. With Tarique expected to be sworn in next week, attention has turned to his approach towards India and the question of Sheikh Hasina's extradition.

Cues For India In Tarique Rahman's First Address

After the BNP secured a two thirds mandate in the general elections that concluded on Friday, Tarique Rahman delivered his first address, calling for national unity and emphasising democratic values. He described the political and economic situation his government would inherit, stating that Bangladesh was beginning a new journey "in a situation marked by a fragile economy left behind by the authoritarian regime."

"This victory belongs to Bangladesh. This victory belongs to democracy. This victory belongs to the people who aspire to and have sacrificed for democracy. From today, we are all free, with the true essence of freedom and rights restored," he said.

When asked how he viewed India Bangladesh ties, Tarique underscored his "Bangladesh First" approach. "The interests of Bangladesh and its people will determine our foreign policy," Rahman said. He has maintained that a BNP government would pursue balanced relations with neighbours such as India, China and Pakistan, and would not treat any country as its "master."

India Looks To Reset Bangladesh Ties

New Delhi responded swiftly after the BNP's victory. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among the first global leaders to call Tarique Rahman and congratulate him.

In a social media post, Modi wrote: "Delighted to speak with Mr. Tarique Rahman. I congratulated him on the remarkable victory in the Bangladesh elections. As two close neighbours with deep-rooted historical and cultural ties, I reaffirmed India's continued commitment to the peace, progress, and prosperity of both our peoples."

The BNP acknowledged Modi's message and reiterated its intention to maintain cooperative relations with India. "We look forward to engaging constructively with India to advance our multifaceted relationship, guided by mutual respect, sensitivity to each other's concerns, and a shared commitment to peace, stability, and prosperity in our region," the BNP social media post read.

A senior BNP leader also expressed hope that Modi would be invited to attend Tarique's swearing in ceremony.

BNP's Next Move On Sheikh Hasina

The future of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina remains a central issue. Hasina has been living in India since August 5, 2024, after student led protests forced her resignation and departure from Bangladesh.

In November 2025, Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal convicted her in absentia in a crimes against humanity case linked to the crackdown on the 2024 protests and awarded her a death sentence. Dhaka has formally requested that New Delhi hand her over under a bilateral extradition treaty.

On the day of the BNP's victory, senior leader Salahuddin Ahmed reiterated the demand. "We always press for her extradition according to the law. This is between the foreign ministries of the two countries. We also asked the government of India to please send her back to face trial in Bangladesh," Salahuddin added.

Earlier, Tarique Rahman also addressed the matter. Asked whether the BNP would seek Hasina's extradition from India, he responded, "That depends on the legal process."

Hasina's party, the Awami League, was barred from contesting the February 12 elections. She has described the polls as a "well-planned farce," arguing that low turnout reflected public rejection. However, the Bangladesh Election Commission reported a turnout of 59 percent across 299 constituencies out of the 300 where voting took place.

The BNP secured 209 seats, while its allies won three additional seats, giving the alliance a commanding majority and setting the stage for a new political phase in Bangladesh.