India will back democratic Bangladesh: PM congratulates Tarique Rahman for win
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday congratulated Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader Tarique Rahman after his party won an overwhelming majority in the general elections, asserting that India will continue to back a democratic Bangladesh.
In a post on X, PM Modi conveyed his “warm congratulations” to Rahman for leading the BNP to victory.
“I convey my warm congratulations to Mr. Tarique Rahman on leading the BNP to a decisive victory in the parliamentary elections in Bangladesh. This victory shows the trust of the people of Bangladesh in your leadership,” the Prime Minister said.
“India will continue to stand in support of a democratic, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh. I look forward to working with you to strengthen our multifaceted relations and advance our common development goals,” he added.
Even External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar reposted PM Modi’s message on X.
PM Modi’s message came as the BNP secured a majority in the parliamentary polls. Media tallies indicated the party had crossed the 151-seat mark required to form the government. The Election Commission, however, is yet to make a formal announcement of the final results.
In a statement on X, the BNP’s media cell said the party was set to form the next government after winning a majority of seats.
The polls were held to elect a new government to replace the interim administration led by Muhammad Yunus, which assumed office 18 months ago following the collapse of the Awami League regime in August 2024. Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s party was subsequently disbanded.
The election was widely viewed as a straight contest between the BNP and its former ally, Jamaat-e-Islami, in the absence of Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India and is currently in exile.
Voting for the 13th parliamentary elections was conducted alongside a referendum on implementing an 84-point reform agenda, known as the July National Charter.
If the BNP forms the government, Tarique Rahman would become Bangladesh’s first male prime minister in 36 years. Rahman, who returned to Bangladesh in December after more than 17 years in self-exile, has urged party workers to skip victory rallies and hold special prayers nationwide instead.
