NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday spoke with Tarique Rahman, hours after congratulating him on the Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s (BNP) decisive victory in the Bangladesh’s parliamentary elections and reaffirming India’s commitment to close bilateral ties.In a post on X, PM said, “Delighted to speak with Mr. Tarique Rahman. I congratulated him on the remarkable victory in the Bangladesh elections.” He added, “I conveyed my best wishes and support in his endeavour to fulfil the aspirations of the people of Bangladesh.”
“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,” the Prime Minister said.Earlier in a separate post, PM Modi congratulated Rahaman when results were being announced, “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 added, “I look forward to working with you to strengthen our multifaceted relations and advance our common development goals.”The BNP secured a two-thirds majority in the general elections, winning more than 200 seats – surpassing its 2001 tally of 193 seats. The result is being seen as ushering in political stability after months of unrest following the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in a youth-led uprising in July 2024.
Who is Tarique Rahaman
Rahman, son of BNP founder and former president Ziaur Rahman, returned to Dhaka in December after spending 18 years in exile and is expected to be sworn in as prime minister. Ziaur Rahman ruled Bangladesh from 1977 until his assassination in 1981 and remains a key figure in the country’s political history.Soon after the results were declared, the BNP thanked voters and urged restraint. “Despite winning … by a large margin of votes, no celebratory procession or rally shall be organised,” the party said in a statement, calling instead for nationwide prayers.The election was the first since Hasina fled to India. Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus, 85, had been serving as interim head of government after her departure. The Awami League, which governed for 15 years but was barred from contesting, had won 230 seats in 2008.Meanwhile, the head of the Islamist Jamaat-e-Islami conceded defeat, saying his party would not engage in the “politics of opposition” for its own sake. The National Citizen Party, led by youth activists involved in the anti-Hasina movement and part of a Jamaat-backed alliance, won five of the 30 seats it contested.
