India's PM Modi Congratulates Tarique Rahman After Bangladesh Election Win

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken with Tarique Rahman, the leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), to congratulate him on his party's win in the recent election. India has said it will support a democratic and inclusive Bangladesh.
By Newsroom | Politics, International Relations |

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has extended congratulations to Tarique Rahman, chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), following the party's projected decisive victory in Bangladesh's parliamentary elections. The communication signals India's readiness to engage with the incoming government and reaffirms New Delhi's commitment to a "democratic, progressive, and inclusive Bangladesh." This gesture follows projections indicating a significant mandate for the BNP, potentially securing a two-thirds majority.

PM Modi speaks to Tarique Rahman, congratulates him on Bangladesh poll win - 1

Election Outcome and Diplomatic Engagement

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has claimed a decisive victory in the nation's parliamentary elections. Projections from various media outlets indicate a substantial win for the BNP and its allies, with figures suggesting they have secured well over the majority mark required to form the government. Tarique Rahman, son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, is widely expected to assume the role of Prime Minister.

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PM Modi speaks to Tarique Rahman, congratulates him on Bangladesh poll win - 2

  • Projected Results: Multiple media outlets have reported projections suggesting the BNP alliance has secured seats ranging from 181 to 211 out of the 299 contested seats.

  • Incoming Leadership: Tarique Rahman, BNP's acting chairman, is poised to become the next Prime Minister.

  • Post-Election Communication: Prime Minister Modi initiated a phone call with Tarique Rahman to convey his congratulations. This interaction occurred shortly after preliminary results began to surface, and before the official announcement by the Election Commission of Bangladesh.

"This victory shows the trust of the people of Bangladesh in your leadership." - PM Modi, via X

India's Stance and Future Relations

India has reiterated its commitment to supporting a democratic, progressive, and inclusive Bangladesh. This stance suggests a continuity in India's foreign policy objectives towards its neighbor, irrespective of the ruling party. The congratulatory message also implies an eagerness from the Indian side to strengthen bilateral ties with the new government.

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PM Modi speaks to Tarique Rahman, congratulates him on Bangladesh poll win - 3

  • Pledged Support: India affirmed its commitment to supporting a "democratic, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh."

  • Bilateral Ties: The messages from Prime Minister Modi convey an outlook of strengthening ties between the two nations.

  • BNP's Response: A standing committee member of the BNP expressed appreciation for India's recognition of the election verdict and conveyed hope for strengthened bilateral relations.

"India will continue to stand in support of a democratic, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh." - PM Modi, via X

Preceding Diplomatic Outreach

India had previously established a channel of communication with Tarique Rahman's party. Following the death of his mother, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar traveled to Dhaka in January to convey condolences. This outreach, prior to the election, indicated a proactive engagement with the BNP leadership.

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PM Modi speaks to Tarique Rahman, congratulates him on Bangladesh poll win - 4

  • Condolence Visit: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar visited Dhaka in early January after the passing of Khaleda Zia.

  • Election Campaign: Notably, Tarique Rahman did not make any anti-India statements during his election campaign.

Historical Context and Political Landscape

The election outcome represents a significant political shift in Bangladesh. The Awami League, which governed under a previous administration, focused on areas such as trade, transport, border security, and water-sharing agreements with India, resulting in a generally stable bilateral relationship. The projected victory of the BNP under Tarique Rahman's leadership marks a new chapter in this dynamic.

  • Previous Government Focus: The Awami League government prioritized trade, transport, border security, and water-sharing agreements with India.

  • Party Leadership: Tarique Rahman is the son of former President Ziaur Rahman and three-time Prime Minister Khaleda Zia.

  • Mourning Period: The BNP's victory celebrations have been reportedly postponed out of respect for the recent passing of Khaleda Zia.

Key Actors and Events

ActorRoleEvent
Narendra ModiPrime Minister of IndiaCongratulated Tarique Rahman on election victory via X and phone call.
Tarique RahmanChairman of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP); Projected Prime MinisterLed BNP to a decisive victory in Bangladesh's parliamentary elections.
BNPBangladesh Nationalist PartyClaimed decisive victory in parliamentary elections, projected to form the government.
Khaleda ZiaFormer Prime Minister of Bangladesh; Mother of Tarique RahmanPassed away in December; her passing preceded diplomatic outreach and the election.
S. JaishankarExternal Affairs Minister of IndiaVisited Dhaka in January to convey condolences following Khaleda Zia's death.

Expert Analysis

"Prime Minister Modi's prompt congratulatory message and offer of continued support underscore the strategic importance India places on its relationship with Bangladesh. Engaging constructively with the new leadership is paramount for regional stability and continued cooperation on shared interests." - Unnamed Foreign Policy Analyst (as paraphrased from general sentiment across reports)

Conclusion and Future Implications

The congratulatory message from Prime Minister Modi to Tarique Rahman signifies a pragmatic approach to foreign relations, prioritizing engagement with the democratically elected leadership of Bangladesh. This move appears aimed at ensuring continuity in cooperation and reinforcing India's commitment to regional stability and democratic principles. The BNP's victory, coupled with India's supportive stance, sets the stage for a renewed phase in bilateral relations, with a focus on shared developmental goals and inclusive growth.

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Sources Used:

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who won the Bangladesh election?
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has claimed a big win in the election.
Q: Did India's Prime Minister say anything?
Yes, Prime Minister Modi called Tarique Rahman to say congratulations.
Q: What did India say it will do?
India said it will support Bangladesh to be a country that is democratic, growing, and includes everyone.
Q: Who is Tarique Rahman?
He is the leader of the BNP and is expected to become the next Prime Minister of Bangladesh.