BNP Urges Prayers, Not Celebrations After Poll Surge

Tarique Rahman calls for restraint as party heads toward decisive win

February 13, 2026: With the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) heading toward a decisive victory in the 13th parliamentary elections, acting chairman Tarique Rahman has urged party leaders and workers to avoid victory rallies and street processions. Instead, he has called for special prayer gatherings after Friday’s Juma prayers. The directive, conveyed through his press secretary Saleh Shibly, emphasised restraint despite the party’s strong electoral performance, as counting continues and the Election Commission is yet to formally announce the final results.

Senior BNP leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi also congratulated citizens across Bangladesh for what he described as a clear mandate in favour of the party. He reiterated that prayer meetings would be organised nationwide, seeking blessings for unity and national wellbeing. Rizvi additionally called for prayers for former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, whom supporters refer to as the “Mother of Democracy,” urging citizens to remember her and seek guidance for the country’s future.

In a bid to project inclusivity, the BNP appealed to followers of all faiths to offer prayers at temples, churches, pagodas and other places of worship, framing the moment as one of national reflection rather than partisan celebration. Voting concluded on February 12 in a largely peaceful atmosphere, with only sporadic incidents reported, as the country awaits official confirmation of the results.