In a post on X, PM Shehbaz said he spoke with the prime minister hopeful over the phone and conveyed Pakistan’s desire to strengthen brotherly ties with Bangladesh, build upon the legacy of Khaleda Zia, and advance shared goals of peace, progress and prosperity.
According to local television reports, the BNP and its allies secured at least 212 of the 299 seats in the Jatiya Sangsad, Bangladesh’s parliament, giving the party a decisive two-thirds majority. The opposition Jamaat-e-Islami and its allies won around 70 seats.
The outcome is widely viewed as a turning point for political stability after months of unrest following the ouster of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina in a youth-led uprising.
PM Shehbaz said the successful conduct of elections reflected the democratic values of the Bangladeshi people. Recalling historic ties between Islamabad and Dhaka, he pledged to deepen cooperation across mutually beneficial sectors while fully respecting each country’s sovereignty.
During their conversation, the two leaders acknowledged the contributions of Begum Khaleda Zia in strengthening Pakistan-Bangladesh relations and fostering closer people-to-people connections.
PM Shehbaz extended a formal invitation to Rahman to visit Pakistan soon. In response, the BNP leader warmly invited the Pakistani premier to visit Bangladesh. Both sides agreed to maintain close contact in the coming days.
Tarique Rahman, son of BNP founder and former president Ziaur Rahman, is widely expected to be sworn in as prime minister. He returned to Dhaka in December after spending 18 years abroad.
Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus had served as interim head of government after Sheikh Hasina fled to India in August 2024.