Tarique Rahman, chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), made a rare political gesture by visiting rival party leaders just a day before taking oath as prime minister, following his party’s landslide win in the 12 February parliamentary election.
On Sunday evening, Tarique visited the residence of Dr Shafiqur Rahman, Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, in Bashundhara. Analysts described the meeting as unusual, noting that incoming leaders rarely pay courtesy calls on political opponents before assuming office.
Tarique arrived around 7:10pm, accompanied by BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Standing Committee Member Nazrul Islam Khan. Shafiqur welcomed them with a bouquet. Jamaat Deputy Chief Syed Abdullah Muhammad Taher and Joint Secretary General and spokesperson Ahsanul Mahboob Zubair were also present.
The visit followed BNP’s announcement that Tarique would meet Nahid Islam, convener of the National Citizen Party (NCP), as part of broader outreach to key political stakeholders. BNP emerged as the largest party in the election, while the Jamaat-led 11-party alliance became the second-largest bloc.
While no formal agenda was disclosed, observers said the discussion focused on current political issues and reflected an effort to promote constructive coexistence. The visit drew large crowds of party leaders and activists, prompting heightened security in the area.
Later, in a Facebook post, Shafiqur described the meeting as a “historic moment” and expressed hope that it would open a new chapter of political maturity and mutual respect. He said Tarique assured him that steps would be taken to prevent post-election violence and attacks on opposition workers and minority communities. Shafiqur added that Jamaat would support government initiatives serving public welfare while acting as a constitutional opposition in parliament.
Later the same night, Tarique, accompanied by Fakhrul and Nazrul, paid a courtesy call on Nahid Islam at his Bailey Road residence around 8:25pm. Nahid came out to welcome him.
Political analysts said the meetings signal a broader attempt by Tarique to engage both allies and former rivals, setting a tone of dialogue and cooperation as Bangladesh enters a new parliamentary phase.
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