Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Feb 13: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday congratulated Tarique Rahman after the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) claimed a decisive victory in Bangladesh’s parliamentary elections.
In a post on X, Modi conveyed his “warm congratulations” to Rahman for leading the BNP to victory.
“I convey my warm congratulations to Mr. Tarique Rahman on leading the BNP to a decisive victory in the parliamentary elections in Bangladesh. This victory shows the trust of the people of Bangladesh in your leadership,” the Prime Minister said.
“India will continue to stand in support of a democratic, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh. I look forward to working with you to strengthen our multifaceted relations and advance our common development goals,” he added.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also reposted the Prime Minister’s message on X.
The BNP said it had secured a majority in the 13th parliamentary elections, with media tallies indicating the party had crossed the 151-seat mark required to form the government. However, the Election Commission is yet to formally announce the final results.
In a statement on X, the BNP’s media cell said the party was set to form the next government after winning a majority of seats.
The polls were held to elect a new government to replace the interim administration led by Muhammad Yunus, which assumed office 18 months ago following the collapse of the Awami League regime in August 2024. Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s party was subsequently disbanded.
The election was widely seen as a direct contest between the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami, in the absence of Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India and is currently in exile.
Voting for the 13th parliamentary elections was conducted alongside a referendum on implementing an 84-point reform agenda, known as the July National Charter.
If the BNP forms the government, Tarique Rahman would become Bangladesh’s first male prime minister in 36 years. Rahman, who returned to Bangladesh in December after more than 17 years in self-exile, has urged party workers to refrain from holding victory rallies and instead organise special prayers across the country.