ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday congratulated the people on the successful conduct of the general elections in Bangladesh, and extended congratulations to the BNP-led alliance for securing a two-thirds majority, as well as to the expected Prime Minister Tariq Rahman.
According to a statement issued by the President’s Office, he congratulated the people of Bangladesh on the successful conduct of the polls across 299 seats with the participation of over 127 million registered voters.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s support for the sovereignty and democratic aspirations of Bangladesh, the president said that Pakistan looked forward to working with the new government to strengthen cooperation in trade, defence, cultural exchanges and regional forums.
President Zardari said that the elections in Bangladesh marked an opportunity for South Asia to move beyond past phases in which regional cooperation, including within SAARC was held hostage by India which continued to paralyse the great forum that was born in Bangladesh in 1985.
He expressed the hope that the new political environment in Dhaka would contribute to more balanced, independent and mutually respectful engagement across the region.
President Zardari also conveyed his best wishes for the continued stability, progress and prosperity of Bangladesh.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz extended heartfelt congratulations to Tariq Rahman on his success in Bangladesh’s parliamentary elections.
“On behalf of the people and government of Pakistan, I congratulate the citizens of Bangladesh on the successful conduct of the polls and expressed his desire to work closely with the new leadership,” he added.
He said Pakistan looks forward to enhancing historic, brotherly and multifaceted bilateral relations with Bangladesh to promote shared goals of peace, stability and development in South Asia and beyond.
According to unofficial results, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) alliance has secured a commanding majority, winning 212 out of 300 seats.
The Jamaat-e-Islami alliance has won 70 seats, while the National Citizen Party, led by Gen Z, managed to secure five seats so far.
Vote counting is still underway, with voter turnout reported at over 60 percent.
Meanwhile, 67 percent of voters backed constitutional reforms in a referendum reflecting Gen Z-driven demands.
The Jamaat-e-Islami alliance has accepted the election results and emphasized moving forward in a positive and constructive manner.