New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended heartfelt congratulations to Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson Tarique Rahman for securing a resounding victory in the recent parliamentary elections. In a message posted on X, PM Modi highlighted the win as a strong endorsement of Rahman’s leadership by the people of Bangladesh.
‘This victory reflects the trust of the Bangladeshi people in your leadership,’ PM Modi wrote. He reaffirmed India’s unwavering support for a democratic, progressive Bangladesh that includes all sections of society. ‘India will stand with Bangladesh in its pursuit of democracy and progress,’ he added.
The Prime Minister expressed eagerness to collaborate with Rahman to strengthen bilateral ties and advance shared development goals. This comes amid BNP’s impressive performance, leading on 198 seats, with Jamaat-e-Islami ahead on 62 and National Citizen Party on 2, as counting continues.
Tarique Rahman, 60, won from the Dhaka-17 constituency in what marked his first major electoral contest since returning from over 17 years of self-imposed exile in London last December. His return preceded the passing of his mother, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, by a few days.
A scion of a prominent political family—his mother was Bangladesh’s first female Prime Minister and a key rival to ousted leader Sheikh Hasina—Rahman has been actively campaigning on promises to restore law and order, rebuild infrastructure, and improve healthcare.
Instead of victory processions, Rahman urged party workers to organize special prayers after Friday’s Jumu’ah prayers across the country. Out of 300 seats, voting occurred on 299 after one poll was postponed due to a candidate’s death. This election signals a significant shift in Bangladesh’s political landscape, with India closely watching developments.