BNP heads for big win after 20 years in opposition; Tarique Rahman urges prayers over victory rallies

As the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) moves ever closer to a decisive mandate in the 13th national parliamentary election in the country, the party leadership has called for restraint in celebrations, indicating a measured response at a delicate moment in politics.

Call for prayers, not processions

Acting party chairman Tarique Rahman has called upon party leaders and grassroots activists not to hold victory rallies or processions in the streets. Instead, well-wishers have been asked to assemble for special prayers following the Juma prayers on Friday.

The call, made through his press secretary Saleh Shibly, was clear that no victory rallies or mass gatherings are to be held, despite the party’s impressive performance in the election so far. With vote-counting still underway and the Election Commission yet to announce the official results, it seems that the BNP is determined to avoid doing anything that might disrupt the prevailing post-election mood in the country.

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Leadership emphasises responsibility

In a separate statement, senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi congratulated the people of Bangladesh, including voters in Dhaka, for what he termed a “clear mandate” in favour of the party. He again emphasised that prayer sessions would be held nationwide, seeking blessings for the country's peace and unity.

A tribute to Khaleda Zia

Rizvi called for prayers for former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, often referred to by party members as the “Mother of Democracy.” People were invited to pray for her eternal peace and for guidance for the nation’s path ahead.

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Notably, the appeal transcended Muslim masses, with the BNP calling on people from other faiths to join in at temples, churches, pagodas, and other places of worship. This message framed the moment as a collective pause for reflection, not a partisan victory.

The voting ended on Thursday, February 12, in what observers have termed a largely peaceful environment except for scattered incidents in some areas. The process, however, ended entirely without unrest.