Senior Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader Salahuddin Ahmed has said the country will soon see the formation of a new cabinet, following his party’s landslide victory in the 13th national parliamentary election.

The BNP, led by Chairman Tarique Rahman, secured an outright majority, paving the way for it to form a government for the first time in two decades. Public attention has now turned to the composition of the incoming cabinet, amid widespread speculation over who will hold key portfolios.

Speaking to journalists in Dhaka on Friday, Ahmed, a newly elected member of parliament from Cox’s Bazar-1 and a member of the BNP’s standing committee, said the public would have to “wait a little longer” to see what shape the new cabinet would take.

He described the election as a “milestone” in Bangladesh’s history, saying the international community had closely watched the poll.

“Except for one or two isolated incidents, nearly 100% of voting took place in a peaceful environment,” he said. “Voters not only cast their ballots but also guarded polling centres to protect democracy.”

Referring to the return of Tarique Rahman to the country, Ahmed said the “unprecedented public surge” that followed had signalled a desire for political change. “This victory was expected,” he added.

Reform agenda and priorities

Outlining the new government’s priorities, Ahmed said the BNP’s struggle had centred on democratic reform of the state structure.

“We want to build a merit- and technology-driven state in line with the aspirations of the martyrs and the expectations of the younger generation,” he said.

He pledged constitutional reforms in line with the party’s election manifesto and its “31-point” programme. A political understanding referred to as the “July National Charter”, he added, would be implemented “in letter and spirit”.

Salahuddin Ahmed expressed hope that the new parliament would become the most productive in terms of legislation since independence and reflect public aspirations. The government’s three core priorities, he said, would be establishing the rule of law, achieving economic prosperity and eliminating corruption.

Extradition and foreign relations

Asked about possible legal proceedings against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Ahmed said investigations were under way and that there were “specific allegations” against both her and members of the Bangladesh Awami League.

He said that, under the existing extradition treaty with India, steps would be taken through legal channels to seek her return to Bangladesh to face trial. The matter, he added, would be handled by the foreign ministry in accordance with the law.

On foreign policy, Ahmed said Bangladesh would maintain friendly relations with all countries on the basis of sovereignty, equality and mutual respect.

Regarding the official publication of the election results, he said the BNP expected the Election Commission to issue the gazette notification by Friday afternoon. Once published, members of parliament would take their oaths in line with constitutional procedures, formally initiating the process of forming a new government.

Ahmed concluded by calling for cooperation from all sections of society, including the media, to build what he described as “an equitable and dignified Bangladesh”.