ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has officially invited Tarique Rahman, chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party to visit Pakistan following his party’s decisive victory in Bangladesh’s general elections.

In a phone conversation, PM Shehbaz expressed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening brotherly ties building on the legacy of Begum Khaleda Zia and advancing shared goals of peace, progress, and prosperity.Tarique Rahman warmly reciprocated inviting the Pakistani premier to Dhaka.

The BNP secured a two thirds majority in Bangladesh’s 299 seat parliament marking its return to power after 20 years. Opposition parties including Jamaat e Islami won 70 seats. Analysts see the result as a milestone for political stability following unrest after former PM Sheikh Hasina was ousted in 2024.

Tarique Rahman son of former President Ziaur Rahman is expected to become prime minister. He returns to Bangladeshi politics after nearly two decades in self imposed exile having left in 2008 due to medical reasons and political pressure. His return was celebrated after a youth-led uprising in August 2024 which led to Hasina’s exile in India.

The visit invitation underscores Pakistan’s intent to deepen bilateral cooperation while respecting Bangladesh’s sovereignty.