On February 16, 2026, Muhammad Yunus announced his resignation as Bangladesh's interim leader, marking a significant political transition as he hands over power to the newly elected government led by Tarique Rahman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). In his farewell address, Yunus stated, "Today marks the day the interim government steps aside. But let us ensure that the journey toward democracy, freedom of expression, and fundamental rights, which has commenced, does not come to a halt." He emphasized that his 18-month tenure had rebuilt the three "fundamental foundations" of the country’s foreign engagement: "sovereignty, national interests, and dignity" (The Hindu). Yunus described the recent elections, where the BNP secured 209 out of 297 seats, as a "landslide victory" and a precedent for future electoral processes (Al Jazeera, Geo World, Hindustan Times).