New Delhi has extended warm congratulations to Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader Tarique Rahman following a resounding victory in the country’s 13th parliamentary elections. Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to social media platform X to first publicly felicitate the BNP and its chairman, before engaging in a personal phone call to reiterate his best wishes.
In a post on X, PM Modi shared, ‘Had a very good conversation with Tarique Rahman. Congratulated him on the splendid victory in Bangladesh elections. Extended my best wishes and support for his efforts to fulfill the aspirations of the people of Bangladesh.’ He emphasized the deep historical and cultural ties between India and Bangladesh as close neighbors, reaffirming India’s unwavering commitment to the peace, progress, and prosperity of both nations’ peoples.
Earlier, PM Modi had posted a heartfelt message directly addressing Tarique Rahman: ‘Heartiest congratulations to Tarique Rahman for the emphatic win of BNP in Bangladesh parliamentary elections. This victory reflects the trust of the people of Bangladesh in your leadership. India will stand with a democratic, progressive, and inclusive Bangladesh. I look forward to working with you to strengthen our multifaceted relations and advance our shared goals of development.’
The election results, as reported by Bangladeshi media outlet The Daily Star, show that out of 299 seats, counting has been completed for 297. BNP and its allies secured 212 seats, while Jamaat-e-Islami won 77, Islamic Andolan Bangladesh took one, and others claimed seven.
This shift in power comes after the tenure of interim leader Prof. Muhammad Yunus, during which ties with Pakistan reportedly strengthened. With BNP’s return, expectations are high for renewed focus on bolstering diplomatic and economic relations with India. Key issues such as border management, illegal immigration, and water-sharing disputes like the Teesta could regain prominence in bilateral discussions.
Historically, relations flourished under former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League government. However, during Khaleda Zia’s earlier BNP regime, tensions had surfaced. Tarique Rahman’s leadership is anticipated to usher in a more collaborative phase, building on shared interests and mutual growth opportunities.
As Bangladesh embarks on this new political chapter, both nations stand poised to deepen their partnership, fostering stability and development in the region.