- PM Narendra Modi congratulated Tarique Rahman on BNP’s election victory.
- BNP thanked India for recognizing the democratic verdict.
- Modi reaffirmed support for a democratic and inclusive Bangladesh.
- BNP expressed hope for stronger bilateral relations.
- The election followed Bangladesh’s first polls since the 2024 uprising.
Indian prime minister Narendra Modi on Friday (13) congratulated Tarique Rahman after the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) secured what it described as a decisive victory in the country’s parliamentary elections. The message, shared publicly on social media, marked an early diplomatic outreach from India following the announcement of the election results.
In his post, Mr. Modi extended his “warm congratulations” to Mr. Rahman for leading the BNP to victory, stating that the outcome reflected the trust of the Bangladeshi people in his leadership. He emphasized India’s continued commitment to supporting a democratic, progressive, and inclusive Bangladesh. The Prime Minister also expressed his intention to work closely with the incoming leadership to strengthen multifaceted ties and advance shared development goals between the two neighboring nations.
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party responded positively to Mr. Modi’s message. Speaking to media outlets, BNP Standing Committee member and chief coordinator for the 2026 election Nazrul Islam Khan conveyed appreciation for India’s recognition of the electoral outcome. He thanked Mr. Modi for acknowledging what he described as the people’s verdict and called the gesture significant coming from a democratic country.
Khan said the party believed the congratulatory message signaled goodwill and mutual respect. On behalf of the BNP, he expressed optimism that under Mr. Rahman’s leadership, relations between Bangladesh and India would be further strengthened. He highlighted the importance of cooperation not only at the governmental level but also between the people of both countries.
Earlier in the day, the BNP formally claimed victory in the parliamentary elections. A senior party official told international media agencies that the win marked a major political turning point, as it followed the first general election held since the violent uprising of 2024. The unrest two years ago had significantly reshaped Bangladesh’s political landscape and set the stage for a highly anticipated electoral contest.
Mr. Modi’s message underscored India’s longstanding interest in maintaining stable and constructive ties with Bangladesh. Over the years, the two nations have collaborated on a range of issues, including trade, connectivity, energy cooperation, border management, and regional security. The Prime Minister’s remarks indicated that New Delhi aims to sustain and expand this engagement under the BNP-led government.
In his statement, Mr. Modi reiterated that India would continue to stand in support of democratic processes in Bangladesh. He emphasized shared aspirations for development and prosperity, suggesting that both governments could build on existing frameworks of cooperation.
The BNP’s response suggested that Dhaka, under new leadership, is similarly eager to maintain strong bilateral engagement. As Bangladesh transitions to a new political chapter, early diplomatic exchanges such as this are likely to shape the tone of India-Bangladesh relations in the coming years.
