Tariq Rahman has taken the oath as the new Prime Minister of Bangladesh following a significant victory for the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in the recent elections held on February 12. His election and subsequent swearing-in have garnered substantial attention in the media of Pakistan. The defeat of Sheikh Hasina from the Awami League, who previously maintained a stern stance against Pakistan, is viewed favorably in Pakistan, indicating a possible thaw in the historically tense Bangladesh-Pakistan relations.

The electronic media in Pakistan has reacted positively to Rahman's victory, perceiving it as a potential opportunity to strengthen ties with Bangladesh, especially given the past animosity stemming from the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War. The Awami League, during Hasina's tenure, kept the relationship at an all-time low, which had significant implications for regional geopolitics, distancing India and Pakistan further from Bangladesh. Now, with Rahman’s leadership, there is speculation that sentiments towards Pakistan might soften, opening doors for diplomatic engagements.

While the BNP is not exactly aligned with extremist factions like Jamaat-e-Islami, it has adopted a more conciliatory stance toward Pakistan. This change in leadership may lead to a shift in Bangladesh's foreign policy, potentially making it less beholden to India, which has historically been a major influence in the region. Hence, the Pakistani media's euphoric response to Rahman's ascension may reflect both optimism and strategic calculations about regional dynamics in South Asia.