Story perspectives

Bangladesh's Ties with Pakistan Strained Amid Rising Unrest

2/15/2026

Center

Bangladesh's Unity Call

Smruti Pattanaik of the Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses says Bangladesh is entitled to ties with Pakistan, but engagement has lagged during Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's tenure.
The shift in relations raises concerns about extremes.
Tahmina Tasnim, 21, urges unity among the people of Bangladesh.
She is ready to fight back if necessary, reflecting the sentiments of those involved in recent uprisings.

Left

BNP Secures Majority

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by Tarique Rahman, won a historic two-thirds majority in the elections, the first since the 2024 uprising that ousted Sheikh Hasina, with the Awami League absent from Parliament.
Jamaat-e-Islami emerged as a major opposition, winning 68 seats.
Voter turnout was 59.88% in the elections.
A referendum on the July Charter passed with 60.26% approval.
Analysts say the new government must ensure governance and public safety.

1 of 2

Bangladesh's Unity Call

Smruti Pattanaik of the Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses says Bangladesh is entitled to ties with Pakistan, but engagement has lagged during Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's tenure.
The shift in relations raises concerns about extremes.
Tahmina Tasnim, 21, urges unity among the people of Bangladesh.
She is ready to fight back if necessary, reflecting the sentiments of those involved in recent uprisings.

1 / 2