India, Feb. 14 -- Tarique Rahman, who led the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) back to power after returning to the country following 17 years in exile, has pledged to prioritise justice and the rule of law as the cornerstone of his administration.

"Justice will be our guiding principle. If the rule of law is not established, all our efforts will be in vain," Rahman said at his first press conference after securing a decisive majority in the national elections, according to The Daily Star.

Calling for restraint, Rahman urged BNP leaders and activists to avoid any post-election unrest.

"To ensure that no unpleasant incidents occur anywhere in post-election Bangladesh, despite many provocations, I call upon all BNP leaders and activist...