PM Modi Speaks with Tarique Rahman After BNP's Decisive Bangladesh Election Win

Following Bangladesh’s landmark general election, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday held a telephonic conversation with Tarique Rahman, leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), congratulating him on a decisive electoral victory. Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and advancing shared development goals between the two nations.

“Delighted to speak with Tarique Rahman. I conveyed my best wishes and support in his endeavour to fulfil the aspirations of the people of Bangladesh,” Modi said on X, highlighting the historic and cultural bonds between the two neighbours. This marked the first instance of a world leader directly engaging with Rahman after the elections.

Earlier, Modi had described the BNP’s mandate as a reflection of public confidence in Rahman’s leadership. “India will continue to support a democratic, progressive, and inclusive Bangladesh,” the Prime Minister added, stressing cooperation in peace, progress, and prosperity.

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According to official results, the BNP and its allies secured 212 of the 297 declared seats, comfortably surpassing the majority mark. The opposition alliance led by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami won 77 seats, while Islami Andolan Bangladesh secured one seat. Independent candidates claimed seven seats.

Rahman, son of former President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, is expected to assume the premiership once the party stakes a formal claim. Observers note this election is historic, being the first since 1991 without the participation of former leaders Khaleda Zia and Sheikh Hasina.

Political advisers to Rahman described Modi’s outreach as a significant diplomatic gesture, aimed at strengthening future ties between New Delhi and Dhaka. The BNP, campaigning on a platform promising welfare, healthcare, education reforms, and climate resilience, is poised to set a new direction for Bangladesh’s domestic and international engagement.

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