Kolkata erupted in diplomatic warmth as West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee extended her heartfelt congratulations to Tarique Rahman, acting chairperson of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), following their resounding victory in the nation’s parliamentary elections. The polls, held on Thursday, saw results declared on Friday, marking a significant shift in Bangladesh’s political landscape.
In a post on her X platform, Banerjee not only felicitated Rahman but also praised the people of Bangladesh for their peaceful participation. ‘Heartiest congratulations to all brothers and sisters of Bangladesh, ‘Shubho Noboborsho’. Advance Ramadan Mubarak to all. Congratulations to my brother Tarique, his party, and all involved on this great victory. I pray you all remain happy and healthy. May our relations with Bangladesh always remain cordial,’ she wrote.
This gesture comes amid heightened regional attention, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi also reaching out earlier. Modi commended BNP’s triumph as a testament to Rahman’s leadership and reaffirmed India’s support for a democratic and progressive Bangladesh. ‘Looking forward to working with you to strengthen our multifaceted relations and advance our common development goals,’ Modi added in his X post.
While opposition voices in West Bengal, including Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari and BJP state president Sukanta Majumdar, have remained silent so far, former BJP leaders like Dilip Ghosh expressed optimism about strengthening India-Bangladesh ties. The elections, watched closely by neighbors, underscore the enduring bonds and shared aspirations between the two nations.
As Bangladesh steps into this new chapter, Banerjee’s message highlights the importance of amicable neighborly relations, potentially paving the way for enhanced cooperation in trade, culture, and security.