BNP’s shift towards mutual respect a great significance

Political leaders in Bangladesh have historically shown low levels of tolerance for each other, with the political culture characterized by confrontation, vengeance, and a “winner-takes-all” approach.

However, following the ouster of the fascist Sheikh Hasina government in the mass uprising on August 5, 2024, we are recently witnessing signs of a shift towards mutual respect.

Particularly in the recent past, political disputes have frequently translated into violent, sometimes fatal, clashes between party workers, with a pattern of vengeance rather than justice between the parties in power and the opposition.

Politics had often been characterized by extreme hostility, with leaders focusing on criticizing opponents rather than engaging in constructive debate.

However, the courtesy calls on Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman and the National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam at their residences houses on Sunday following the 13th parliamentary election held on February 12, are being viewed as highly significant and a constructive steps towards fostering political tolerance and a new era of political culture in Bangladesh.

Following the Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s (BNP) landslide victory—securing 209 seats and its allies 3 out of 297 seats—these meetings are clearly understood as a conscious move to shift away from the politics of vengeance and toward a more collaborative and democratic culture.

The meetings are also seen as a “positive political beginning,” emphasizing etiquette and tolerance rather than post-election domination.

By engaging with Jamaat-e-Islam, which captured 68 seats and its allies NCP 6 and others 3, Tarique Rahman is attempting to foster stability, reduce post-election tensions, and create a climate of mutual understanding and future dialogues.

Meanwhile, Tarique Rahman also strongly warned against revenge politics, urging party workers and supporters to avoid conflict, a message which echoed in his meetings with the opposition leaders.

Reportedly, the discussions focused on creating a “safe and humane Bangladesh,” suggesting a potential, though nuanced, working relationship with key political forces in the upcoming parliament.

In the meantime, Tarique Rahman has emphasized that the election victory is a victory for democracy rather than just one party, urging opposition parties to work together for national interest.

As well, the Jamaat Ameer also hailed Tarique Rahman as the next “Prime Minister” of Bangladesh.

His party also pledged to act as a “strong opposition” to provide oversight rather than obstruction.

Despite the historical tendency toward confrontation, the current, rapidly changing political landscape in the country is putting pressure on political parties to adopt a more tolerant and collaborative approach.

We hope to see the coming parliament as the most vibrant one.