PM Modi Extends Congratulations to Tarique Rahman on BNP's Decisive Election Triumph
Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in a significant telephone conversation with Tarique Rahman on Friday, extending heartfelt congratulations on the Bangladesh Nationalist Party's (BNP) remarkable and decisive victory in the recently concluded parliamentary elections in Bangladesh. The Prime Minister utilized the social media platform X to publicly share the details of this diplomatic exchange, reinforcing India's steadfast commitment to nurturing and strengthening the close bilateral relationship between the two neighboring nations.
A Conversation of Congratulation and Commitment
In his detailed post on X, Prime Minister Modi expressed, "Delighted to speak with Mr. Tarique Rahman. I congratulated him on the remarkable victory in the Bangladesh elections." He further elaborated, "I conveyed my best wishes and support in his endeavour to fulfil the aspirations of the people of Bangladesh." Emphasizing the deep historical and cultural bonds, Modi added, "As two close neighbours with deep-rooted historical and cultural ties, I reaffirmed India's continued commitment to the peace, progress, and prosperity of both our peoples."
This communication followed an earlier post by the Prime Minister as election results were being announced, where he stated, "I convey my warm congratulations to Mr Tarique Rahman on leading BNP to a decisive victory in the Parliamentary elections in Bangladesh. This victory shows the trust of the people of Bangladesh in your leadership." He also expressed anticipation for future collaboration, noting, "I look forward to working with you to strengthen our multifaceted relations and advance our common development goals."
Historic Victory and Political Landscape Shift
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party achieved an overwhelming mandate, securing a commanding two-thirds majority in the general elections. The party won more than 200 parliamentary seats, surpassing its previous record tally of 193 seats achieved in the 2001 elections. This electoral outcome is widely perceived as heralding a new era of political stability in Bangladesh, following months of significant unrest and uncertainty.
This period of turmoil was triggered by the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in July 2024, following a widespread youth-led uprising. Tarique Rahman, the son of BNP founder and former president Ziaur Rahman, returned to Dhaka in December after an extended 18-year period in exile. He is now poised to be sworn in as the new Prime Minister of Bangladesh, marking a significant political transition.
Ziaur Rahman, who governed Bangladesh from 1977 until his assassination in 1981, remains an enduring and pivotal figure in the nation's complex political history. Following the declaration of results, the BNP issued a statement expressing gratitude to voters while calling for restraint, stating, "Despite winning ... by a large margin of votes, no celebratory procession or rally shall be organised." The party instead advocated for nationwide prayers.
Electoral Context and Broader Political Developments
The recent election marked the first parliamentary poll since former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled to India. In the interim period following her departure, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus, aged 85, served as the interim head of government. The Awami League, which had governed Bangladesh for 15 consecutive years but was barred from contesting this election, had previously secured 230 seats in the 2008 polls.
In related political developments, the head of the Islamist political party Jamaat-e-Islami formally conceded defeat. He indicated that his party would not engage in opposition politics merely for its own sake. Meanwhile, the National Citizen Party, which is led by youth activists involved in the anti-Hasina movement and was part of a Jamaat-backed alliance, managed to win five of the 30 seats it contested.
This comprehensive electoral victory for the BNP, coupled with Prime Minister Modi's immediate and public congratulations, underscores a pivotal moment in South Asian geopolitics and bilateral relations, setting the stage for a renewed partnership between India and Bangladesh under new leadership.
