Shehbaz congratulates Tariq Rehman on the historic victory and formally invites to visit Pakistan
Shehbaz and Rahman recalled Khaleda Zia’s important role as the former Bangladeshi prime minister played a key role in bringing nations from both sides together. PHOTO: BBC/AFP
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday engaged the leadership of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) after its successful election result and reaffirmed his resolve to work with the new administration for regional peace.
The BNP won a landslide general 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 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 turmoil following the collapse of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s government in 2024.
A post on X by state television PTV News said Prime Minister Shehbaz spoke by phone this evening and expressed “heartfelt congratulations on behalf of the people and the government of Pakistan on his party’s historic and outstanding victory in the general elections”.
The prime minister congratulated the people of Bangladesh on the successful conduct of the general election, which he said “reflects the democratic ideals and values” of their nation.
“Recalling the historic, brotherly 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.
It added that both leaders “fondly remembered” Begum Zia during their “pleasant conversation” and hailed her “outstanding contribution” to Pakistan-Bangladesh relations and her “important role in bringing the people of the two countries closer together”.
Prime Minister Shehbaz extended an invitation to MTarique to visit Pakistan as soon as possible. The latter also invited the Prime Minister to visit Bangladesh.
“Both leaders agreed to remain in close contact in the coming days to work for the betterment of the people of both countries.”
Prime Minister of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (بی نـی) کیریمناگ کیمیناکی کیناک ةارتی congratulations
Wazir-e-Azam Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif spoke to the chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (বারার্তান্ত্ল্ট্ট্ট্ট্ট্ট্ট্ট্ট্ট্র্ট্যান্ত্যাত্র’s party) pic.twitter.com/VZzvJYx68h
— PTV News (@PTVNewsOfficial) 13 February 2026
Read more: Bangladesh’s BNP wins historic general election
In a post on X later, Prime Minister Shehbaz said he had a “warm and cordial” phone call with Tarique.
“Pakistan looks forward to strengthening its fraternal ties with Bangladesh, building on the legacy of Begum Khaleda Zia and advancing our shared goals of peace, progress and prosperity.”
Sent my deepest congratulations to my brother, Mr. Tarique Rahman, Chairman of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) during our warm and cordial phone call this evening, after his party’s historic and resounding victory in the General Elections.
Pakistan is looking forward to…
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) 13 February 2026
President Asif Ali Zardari and the prime minister had already shared congratulatory messages earlier, 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 series of agreements in August 2025 aimed at strengthening cooperation in trade, diplomacy, media, education and cultural exchanges, marking a significant step forward in efforts to restore relations after years of frosty ties.
