‘Will Support Democratic, Inclusive Bangladesh’: PM Modi Congratulates Tarique Rahman On BNP’s Decisive Victory In Bangladesh Polls

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday extended his warm congratulations to Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairman Tarique Rahman following the party's decisive victory in the 13th parliamentary elections.

In a message shared on X (formerly Twitter), Prime Minister Modi described the mandate as a "testament to the trust" the people of Bangladesh have placed in Rahman's leadership.

"I convey my warm congratulations to Mr. Tarique Rahman on leading BNP to a decisive victory... This victory shows the trust of the people of Bangladesh in your leadership. India will continue to stand in support of a democratic, progressive, and inclusive Bangladesh," the post read.

BNP secures majority

Prime Minister Modi’s congratulatory message followed the BNP’s formal declaration of victory, with the party confirming it has secured a majority in the 300-member parliament. 

Current tallies show the BNP surpassing the 151-seat threshold required for governance, currently leading in over 200 seats. 

While the Election Commission is finalizing the official count, the scale of the mandate has already set the stage for Tarique Rahman to lead the next administration.

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.

Status of parties

The Bangladesh polls were held to elect a new government to replace the 18-month interim administration led by Muhammad Yunus, which had assumed office following the collapse of the Awami League regime in August 2024. 

Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s party, the Awami League, was subsequently barred from participating in these elections by the interim government.

The election was widely viewed as a straight contest between the BNP and its former ally, Jamaat-e-Islami, in the absence of the Awami League and Sheikh Hasina, who remains in exile in India. 

A New Chapter in Bilateral Ties?

The Prime Minister’s message signals a significant "reset" in India-Bangladesh relations. While New Delhi had long-standing ties with the previous Awami League administration, the Indian government has moved swiftly to recognize the new democratic mandate in Dhaka.

The congratulatory message from New Delhi comes alongside similar statements from the United States, where Ambassador Brent Christensen praised the "historic victory." 

Rahman's decisive victory

Rahman, meanwhile, has been unofficially declared elected from the Bogura-6 (Sadar) constituency after securing a decisive victory over his nearest rival, as per the Daily Star. 

Bangladesh ushered in its most pivotal polls as it seeks to enter into a new chapter from the classic 'Battle of Begums' era on Thursday. 

This election feels heavy after the demise of Former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and the ban on her nemesis, Sheikh Hasina's party, the Awami League.