Shehbaz congratulates Tariq Rehman on his historic victory and formally invites him to visit Pakistan
Shehbaz and Rahman recalled the important role of Khaleda Zia as a former Bangladeshi Prime Minister who played a key role in bringing nations from both sides together. PHOTO: BBC/AFP
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday pledged leadership of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) after its electoral success and affirmed his determination to work with the new administration for regional peace.
The BNP won a landslide victory in parliamentary elections today, returning to power after nearly two decades and positioning party leader Tarique Rahman as prime minister as the country emerges from months of unrest and economic disruption.
Rahman, the son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and assassinated former President Ziaur Rahman, faces immediate challenges in restoring political stability, reviving investor confidence and rebuilding key industries after prolonged unrest following the collapse of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government in 2024.
An article on X by the public channel PTV News said Prime Minister Shehbaz spoke over the phone this evening and extended “heartfelt congratulations on behalf of the people and government of Pakistan on his party’s historic and splendid victory in the general elections.”
The Prime Minister congratulated the people of Bangladesh on the successful conduct of the general elections, which he said “reflect the democratic ideals and values” of their nation.
“Recalling the historic and fraternal relations between Pakistan and Bangladesh, the Prime Minister reiterated his resolve to work 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.
He added that the two leaders “fondly remembered” Begum Zia during their “enjoyable conversation” and paid tribute to her “outstanding contributions” to Pakistan-Bangladesh relations and her “crucial role in bringing the people of the two countries closer together.”
Prime Minister Shehbaz invited MTarique to visit Pakistan as soon as possible. The latter also invited the Prime Minister to visit Bangladesh.
“The two leaders agreed to remain in close contact in the coming days to work for the betterment of the people of both countries.”
وزیراعظم کی بنگلہ دیش نیشنلسٹ پارٹی (بی این پی) کے چیئرمینجناب طارق رحمٰن کو مبارکباد
وزیر اعظم محمد شہباز شریف نے آج رات بنگلہ دیش نیشنلسٹ پارٹی (بی) این پی) کے چیئرمین جناب طارق رحمان سے ٹیلی فون پر بات کی اور انہیں عام انتخابات میں ان کی پارٹی کی تاریخی اور شاندار کامیابی پر… pic.twitter.com/VZzvJYx68h
– PTV News (@PTVNewsOfficial) February 13, 2026
Learn more: Bangladesh BNP wins historic parliamentary elections
In an article on X later, Prime Minister Shehbaz said he had a “warm and cordial” phone call with Tarique.
“Pakistan looks forward to strengthening its brotherly ties with Bangladesh, building on the legacy of Begum Khaleda Zia and advancing our common goals of peace, progress and prosperity.”
I extended my sincere congratulations to my brother Mr. Tarique Rahman, Chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), during our warm and cordial telephone call this evening, following his party’s historic and resounding victory in the general elections.
Pakistan is looking forward to…
– Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) February 13, 2026
President Asif Ali Zardari and the prime minister had earlier shared congratulatory messages, calling Tarique’s victory “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 strengthening cooperation in trade, diplomacy, media, education and culture, marking a significant step forward in efforts to repair ties after years of frosty relations.
