PM Anwar congratulates BNP's Tarique on Bangladesh election victory

13 February 2026

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has extended his congratulations to Tarique Rahman and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party following their emphatic victory in the recent general election, describing the outcome as a triumph of democracy.

In a Facebook post, Anwar said the people of Bangladesh had spoken clearly at the ballot box after navigating a period marked by extraordinary challenges.

"Malaysia looks forward to working with the new Bangladeshi leadership to bring new energy to our bilateral ties. I join Malaysians in extending our warmest regards to the people of Bangladesh," he said.

He also conveyed appreciation to Muhammad Yunus, who served as Chief Adviser during the transitional period, for his stewardship and role in ensuring the democratic process proceeded smoothly.

Foreign media reported the Bangladesh election on Thursday involved more than 127 million eligible voters in the nation of around 170 million people, with 1,981 candidates contesting across 299 parliamentary seats nationwide, according to the Election Commission of Bangladesh (ECB).

Tarique, who returned to Bangladesh in December after 17 years of exile in London, is now poised to become the country’s next prime minister.

He comes from one of the country’s most powerful political dynasties; the son of former prime minister Khaleda Zia and former president Ziaur Rahman, who was assassinated in 1981.