Bangladesh’s prime minister-in-waiting, Tarique Rahman, appealed for national unity and dedicated his landslide victory to those who “sacrificed for democracy” after the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) won a thumping majority.

According to Al Jazeera’s Saturday report, Rahman called unity a collective strength in his first post-election speech, stating that despite differing opinions, the country must remain united.

Official results showed the BNP alliance secured 212 of 299 seats, while the Jamaat-e-Islami-led alliance took 77.

The youth-led National Citizen Party won only six of 30 contested seats, illustrating the challenge of turning protest momentum into votes.

Interim leader Muhammad Yunus congratulated Rahman on the win as he prepares to hand over power, noting that Rahman would guide the nation toward stability and development.

Despite initial allegations of vote-count inconsistencies, Jamaat chief Shafiqur Rahman conceded and pledged to serve as a principled opposition.

The election, which barred Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League, drew international recognition, including a congratulatory message from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Rahman’s success marks a major turnaround following 17 years in exile and continues the political legacy of his parents, Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia.