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 former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, who played a key role in uniting the nations from both sides. PHOTO: BBC/AFP
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leaders on Friday after their successful election performance and affirmed his determination 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 prime minister Khaleda Zia and assassinated former president Ziaur Rahman, faces immediate challenges to restore political stability, revive investor confidence and rebuild key industries after prolonged turmoil following the collapse of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s government in 2024.
A post about X from the state broadcaster PTV News said that Prime Minister Shehbaz spoke on the phone this evening and expressed “heartfelt congratulations on behalf of the people and Government of Pakistan on the historic and splendid victory of your party in the general elections.”
The prime minister congratulated the people of Bangladesh on the successful holding of the general elections, which he said “reflect the democratic ideals and values” of his nation.
“Recalling the historic and brotherly relations between Pakistan and Bangladesh, the Prime Minister reiterated his determination 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, fully respecting each other’s sovereignty,” the statement said.
He 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.”
Prime Minister Shehbaz extended an invitation to MTarique to visit Pakistan at the earliest. The latter, in turn, also invited the prime minister to visit Bangladesh.
“Both leaders agreed to remain in close touch in the coming days to work for the betterment of the people of both countries.”
وزenstein طارق رحمٰن کو مبارکباد
(بی این پی) کے سے ٹیلی فون پر بات کی اور انہیں غ pic.twitter.com/VZzvJYx68h
– PTV News (@PTVNewsOfficial) February 13, 2026
Read more: Bangladesh’s BNP wins historic parliamentary elections
In a later post on X, 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 promoting our shared goals of peace, progress and prosperity.”
I extended my heartfelt congratulations to my brother, Mr. Tarique Rahman, President of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), during our warm and cordial phone call this afternoon, 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 overthrow of the Awami League government led to rapprochement between Pakistan and Bangladesh.
They signed a series of agreements in August 2025 aimed at improving cooperation in trade, diplomacy, media, education and cultural exchanges, marking a major step forward in efforts to reset relations after years of frosty ties.
