BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Saturday congratulated the people of Bangladesh, declaring “from today we are all free,” after his party’s landslide victory in the 13th national election.

“This victory belongs to Bangladesh, to democracy and to the pro-democracy people,” Tarique said at his first press conference following the polls, held at Hotel InterContinental in the capital.

In his opening remarks, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party chairman thanked voters for overcoming “all obstacles” to pave the way for restoring democracy. “With your spontaneous participation, after more than a decade and a half, a parliament and government accountable to the people through direct votes are set to be established,” he said, urging unity to ensure that “no force can ever again impose fascism or turn the country into a subservient state.”

Tarique thanked the 51 political parties that took part in the election, saying political parties are the “beacons of democracy” in a democratic state. He called on both the government and opposition to play responsible roles to institutionalise democracy.

“Our paths and opinions may differ, but in the interest of the country we are one. National unity is our strength; division is our weakness,” he added, noting that constructive and democratic opinions from all parties would be important in state governance.

Referring to the country’s “fragile economic and constitutional structures” and a “collapsed law and order situation,” Tarique sought cooperation from all quarters to rebuild the state framework.

Reaffirming commitment to implementing the July Charter, he said BNP had presented a state reform outline and later finalised a 31-point agenda through consultations with democratic parties and citizens nationwide. “We are committed to gradually implementing every promise made to the people,” he said.

Expressing gratitude to party activists for their years of sacrifice, Tarique urged them to act responsibly. “Your biggest responsibility now is to build the country.”

Stressing the rule of law, he said peace and order must be maintained “at any cost,” warning that no wrongdoing or illegal activity would be tolerated.

“Regardless of party affiliation, religion, caste or opinion, attacks by the powerful on the weak will not be accepted under any pretext. Law will be applied equally to every citizen in accordance with due process,” he said.

Tarique also cautioned against turning electoral rivalries into vengeance. “Misunderstandings may have arisen during competition in the field, but such differences must not turn into revenge or retaliation.”

He thanked the interim government, the Election Commission, public administration officials, law enforcement agencies, the armed forces and polling officials for organising what he described as a fair election.

Paying tribute to former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, Tarique said her absence at a “moment of national joy” was deeply felt. “She fought uncompromisingly against fascism, never yielding to autocracy. On issues concerning the country and the people, she remained steadfast.”

Tarique prayed for the departed souls of those who laid down their lives for democracy from the 1971 Liberation War to 2024, and wished speedy recovery to those injured in the July uprising.

He concluded by expressing hope for cooperation from all political forces, expatriate Bangladeshis and democratic communities worldwide in building a “safe, humane and democratic Bangladesh.”

Senior BNP leaders, including members of the party’s standing committee, as well as local and foreign journalists, were present at the event.