The South Asian nation of Bangladesh endured weeks of student-led proteststhat eventually forced Hasina to resign and flee to India this month after 15 consecutive years of autocratic rule and a total of 20 years in power in the country of 171 million people.

"We pay tribute to those who died during the recent protests in our country and pray for their souls," Najmul said after his side's 10-wicket win in the first Test in Rawalpindi.

More than 450 people have been killed during the protests, many by police gunfire in response to social unrest in the South Asian country.

Bangladesh's tour of Pakistan was marred by a lack of preparation, with foreign coaches unable to attend training sessions due to travel warnings.

However, the new caretaker government led by Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus allowed the two-Test tour of Pakistan to go ahead.

Bangladesh led by 117 runs in their first innings after setting a record 565 against Pakistan, with the hosts declaring on 448-6 on a batting-friendly pitch.

Bangladesh then bowled out Pakistan for a meagre 146 on the fifth day, with spinners Mehidy Hasan Miraz (4-21) and Shakib Al Hasan (3-44) wreaking havoc.

Bangladesh chased down the required 30 runs without losing a wicket, sparking celebrations in the visitors' dressing room.

Najmul, who also celebrated his 26th birthday on Sunday, said it was a special feeling. "It's nice to win on your birthday, a special feeling," he said. "But winning as a team is even more special. It's a historic day for us, it's huge."

"I think before we started this series we believed we could win this time. And then... everyone really believed that we could do something special this time," said the Rajshahi-born player.

Najmul also praised his bowlers for keeping Pakistan at bay. "Everyone showed their character, I am really happy with them. We worked hard to get this win. Our bowlers did so well," he said.

He didn't hold back in praising veteran batsman Mushfiqur Rahim, whose 191 in the first innings laid the foundation for Bangladesh's highest total against Pakistan. "He has been playing cricket for 15-17 years and never seems to get tired of doing things over and over again," said Najmul.

"The way he batted in these hot conditions was impressive and I am really happy for him. That's probably why we won the match," the Sylhet Strikers player concluded.