Pakistan on Friday sought enhanced economic and defence collaboration with Bangladesh’s new government following the BNP’s landslide election victory. President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated the leadership and people of Bangladesh. They expressed readiness to strengthen brotherly and multifaceted bilateral ties.
Both leaders extended felicitations to the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and its leader Tarique Rahman for securing a two-thirds majority in national elections. According to local media counts, the BNP and its allies won at least 212 of 299 contested seats. The opposition Jamaat-e-Islami and its allies secured 70 seats in the Jatiya Sangsad. The outcome is expected to bring political stability after months of unrest.
Read more: Bangladesh chief advisor praises peaceful elections
🇵🇰🇧🇩 President Asif Ali Zardari felicitates Tarique Rahman on BNP’s landslide victory and congratulates the people of Bangladesh on their successful, peaceful polls. Pakistan reaffirms strong support for democratic partnership and shared progress ahead. @trahmanbnp @bdbnp78
— The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) February 13, 2026
In a statement, President Zardari congratulated the Bangladeshi people for the peaceful conduct of elections. More than 127 million registered voters participated across 299 constituencies. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for Bangladesh’s sovereignty and democratic aspirations. He said Islamabad looks forward to expanding cooperation in trade, defence, cultural exchanges, and regional forums.
The president also said the elections present an opportunity for stronger regional cooperation in South Asia. He noted that regional platforms, including the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation, should move beyond past paralysis. He expressed hope that the new political environment in Dhaka would foster balanced and mutually respectful engagement. He conveyed best wishes for Bangladesh’s stability, progress, and prosperity.
I extend my warmest felicitations to Mr. Tarique Rahman on leading the BNP to a resounding victory in the Parliamentary elections in Bangladesh. I also congratulate the people of Bangladesh on the successful conduct of the elections.
I look forward to working closely with the…
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) February 13, 2026
Read more: Sherry hopes incoming Bangladesh govt to promote stability
In a post on X, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also congratulated the Bangladeshi nation on successful polls. He said Pakistan looks forward to working closely with the new leadership. He emphasized advancing shared goals of peace, stability, and development in South Asia and beyond.