PM Modi Congratulates Tarique Rahman, Says India Will Support Democratic Bangladesh After Election Win

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday extended congratulations to Bangladesh Nationalist Party leader Tarique Rahman following his party’s strong performance in the country’s parliamentary elections, reiterating India’s commitment to supporting a democratic and inclusive Bangladesh.

In a message shared on social media, the Indian Prime Minister praised Rahman for leading the BNP to what appears to be a decisive electoral victory. He noted that the outcome reflected the trust placed in Rahman’s leadership by the people of Bangladesh and expressed hope for deeper cooperation between the two neighbours. Modi emphasised that India would continue to work toward strengthening bilateral relations while promoting shared development goals and regional stability.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also amplified the message, signalling New Delhi’s unified diplomatic stance toward the evolving political landscape in Dhaka. India’s early response underscores the strategic importance of Bangladesh in South Asia’s geopolitical and economic framework.

Preliminary tallies from the election suggested that the Bangladesh Nationalist Party had crossed the majority mark required to form the next government, although the country’s Election Commission had yet to release the final official results at the time of the announcement. The vote was widely seen as a turning point following the interim administration led by Muhammad Yunus, which took charge after major political changes in 2024.

The election represented a significant shift in Bangladesh’s political environment, particularly in the absence of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Awami League party, which had dominated the country’s politics for years. Analysts described the contest largely as a direct face-off between the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami, reshaping the country’s political dynamics.

Rahman, who returned to Bangladesh recently after spending more than a decade abroad, has urged his supporters to avoid celebratory rallies and instead organise prayer gatherings as the final results are confirmed. If the BNP formally forms the government, he is expected to take office as prime minister, marking a historic political transition.

The elections were also accompanied by a referendum on an extensive reform agenda aimed at reshaping governance structures and economic policy frameworks. Observers believe the outcome could have long-term implications for Bangladesh’s domestic stability and regional diplomacy.

India’s statement reflects a cautious yet supportive approach, highlighting New Delhi’s emphasis on democratic continuity and constructive engagement with the next leadership in Dhaka. With bilateral ties spanning trade, connectivity and security cooperation, both countries are likely to prioritise maintaining strong relations as the political transition unfolds.