President Asif Ali Zardari has coupled his congratulations to the victorious Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) with a call for South Asia to move past an era where regional cooperation was “held hostage by India,” expressing hope for a more balanced engagement across the region following the recent polls.
In a formal statement today, the President extended his felicitations to the BNP and its leader, Tarique Rahman, for securing a landslide majority and receiving the mandate to form the next government. He also commended the people of Bangladesh on the successful conduct of the elections across 299 seats, which saw the participation of over 127 million registered voters.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s support for the sovereignty and democratic aspirations of Bangladesh, President Zardari said the country looks forward to collaborating with the new administration to bolster cooperation in trade, defence, cultural exchanges, and within regional forums.
He stated that the elections in Bangladesh mark an opportunity for the region to overcome past phases, noting that regional cooperation, particularly within the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), continues to be paralysed by India. Zardari remarked that the “great forum that was born in Bangladesh in 1985” had been stymied.
The President expressed his hope that the new political environment in Dhaka would contribute to more “balanced, independent and mutually respectful engagement” throughout South Asia.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also conveyed his congratulations to Tarique Rahman for leading the BNP to a “resounding victory” in the parliamentary elections.
In a post on the social media platform X, the Prime Minister expressed his anticipation of working closely with the new Bangladeshi leadership. He stated a desire to further strengthen “historic, brotherly multifaceted bilateral relations” and to advance shared objectives of peace, stability, and development in the region and beyond.
President Zardari concluded his message by conveying his best wishes for the continued stability, progress, and prosperity of Bangladesh.