PM Modi Speaks To Tarique Rahman After Election Victory, Signals Strong India–Bangladesh Ties Ahead

• PM Narendra Modi spoke to Tarique Rahman and congratulated him on BNP's decisive victory in Bangladesh elections.
• India reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening ties and supporting a democratic Bangladesh.
• Tarique Rahman is set to take over as Prime Minister after the fall of Sheikh Hasina's government in 2024.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday congratulated Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader Tarique Rahman on his party's sweeping victory in Bangladesh's general elections, marking the beginning of a new political chapter in the neighbouring country.

The elections were the first since the dramatic fall of Sheikh Hasina's government in August 2024, and Rahman is now set to assume office as Bangladesh's next prime minister.

PM Modi speaks to Tarique Rahman

In a post on X, PM Modi said he was "delighted to speak" with Tarique Rahman and extended his congratulations on the BNP's electoral win. He expressed confidence in Rahman's leadership and reaffirmed India's commitment to maintaining strong bilateral ties.

Modi wrote, "Delighted to speak with Mr. Tarique Rahman. I congratulated him on the remarkable victory in the Bangladesh elections."

He added that he conveyed his "best wishes and support" for Rahman's efforts to fulfil the aspirations of the Bangladeshi people.

Highlighting the close relationship between the two countries, the Prime Minister said India remains committed to the "peace, progress, and prosperity" of both nations, noting their deep historical and cultural ties.

India signals continued partnership

PM Modi also issued a detailed congratulatory message to Rahman, describing the victory as a reflection of public confidence in his leadership. He emphasised India's intention to work closely with the new government in Dhaka.

Key takeaways from Modi's message include:

• India's support for a democratic and inclusive Bangladesh
• Commitment to strengthening bilateral relations
• Focus on shared development goals and regional stability

He said India would continue extending support for a "democratic, progressive, and inclusive Bangladesh" and looked forward to enhancing cooperation across sectors.

BNP victory marks major political shift

The BNP's sweeping win represents a significant political transition in Bangladesh. The election was held after the collapse of Sheikh Hasina's long-standing government following widespread protests in 2024.

Tarique Rahman, son of former prime minister Khaleda Zia, spent nearly two decades in exile after the Awami League returned to power in 2009. His return to lead the BNP and secure a decisive victory signals a dramatic reversal in Bangladesh's political fortunes.
The BNP contested the polls against a coalition led by Jamaat-e-Islami and emerged with a clear mandate, paving the way for Rahman to take charge as prime minister.

Transition from interim government

Rahman will assume office from the interim administration led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, who took charge after Hasina's exit.

Yunus had earlier made it clear that his role was limited to overseeing a peaceful transition and credible elections.

He has stated that the interim government would hand over power to the newly elected leadership "with deep pleasure and pride," marking the end of a turbulent transition period.

With Rahman set to take office, attention now turns to how the new leadership will shape Bangladesh's domestic policies and its ties with regional partners, particularly India.