PM Shehbaz engages incoming Bengali leadership, affirms resolve to work together for regional peace

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif engaged the leadership of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on Friday after its successful electoral performance and affirmed his resolve to work together with the new administration for regional peace. 

The BNP won a landslide parliamentary election today, returning to power after nearly two decades and positioning party leader Tarique Rahman to become prime minister as the country emerges from months of unrest and economic disruption.

Rahman, the son of former premier Khaleda Zia and assassinated former president Ziaur Rahman, faces immediate challenges in restoring political stability, reviving investor confidence and rebuilding key industries after prolonged turmoil following the collapse of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s government in 2024.

A post on X by state broadcaster PTV News said that PM Shehbaz spoke with on the telephone tonight and extended “heartfelt congratulations on behalf of the people and the Government of Pakistan on the historic and splendid victory of his party in the general elections”.

The premier congratulated the people of Bangladesh on the successful conduct of the general elections, which he said “reflects the democratic ideals and values” of their nation.

“Recalling the historic, fraternal relations between Pakistan and Bangladesh, the prime minister reiterated his resolve to work together with the leadership of Bangladesh to further strengthen mutually beneficial bilateral cooperation in all areas of mutual interest, as well as for regional peace and development, while fully respecting each other’s sovereignty,” the statement said.

It added that both leaders “fondly remembered” Begum Zia during their “pleasant conversation” and paid tribute to her “outstanding contributions” to Pakistan-Bangladesh relations and her “pivotal role in bringing the people of the two countries closer together”.

PM Shehbaz extended an invitation to MTarique to visit Pakistan at the earliest convenience. The latter inturn also invited the prime minister to visit Bangladesh.

“Both leaders agreed to remain in close contact in the days ahead to work for the betterment of the people of both countries.”

Read More: Bangladesh’s BNP wins historic parliamentary election

In a post on X later, PM Shehbaz said he had a “warm and cordial” telephone call with Tarique.

“Pakistan looks forward to strengthening its brotherly ties with Bangladesh, building on the legacy of Begum Khaleda Zia, and advancing our shared goals of peace, progress and prosperity.”

President Asif Ali Zardari and the prime minister had already earlier shared congratulatory messages, describing Tarique’s victory as “decisive” and “resounding”.

The ouster of the Awami League government led to the rapprochement between Pakistan and Bangladesh.

They signed a number of agreements in August 2025 aimed at enhancing cooperation in trade, diplomacy, media, education, and cultural exchanges, marking a significant step forward in efforts to reset relations after years of frosty ties.