Prime Minister Narendra Modi has congratulated Tarique Rahman, Chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), on the party’s decisive victory in Bangladesh’s parliamentary elections.
In a post on X written in Bengali, PM Modi extended his heartfelt congratulations to Rahman for leading the BNP to a resounding win. He stated that the victory reflects the trust and confidence the people of Bangladesh have in his leadership. Modi also reaffirmed that India stands in support of a democratic, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh.
The Prime Minister further expressed his eagerness to work closely with the new leadership to strengthen bilateral ties and advance shared development goals between the two nations.
Tarique Rahman won the Dhaka-17 seat in the 2026 Bangladesh parliamentary elections. This marks his first major electoral victory after returning to Bangladesh in December last year following over 17 years in self-imposed exile. After his win, Rahman urged party leaders and workers to organize special prayers across the country instead of holding celebratory rallies.
Rahman, 60, hails from a prominent political family. His mother, Khaleda Zia, was Bangladesh’s first female Prime Minister and a key political rival of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
PM Modi’s decision to convey his message in Bengali is being viewed as diplomatically significant. In recent times, relations between New Delhi and Dhaka had experienced strains, particularly during the tenure of interim leader Muhammad Yunus. Trade and strategic concerns had also impacted bilateral engagement.
With the BNP pledging in its manifesto to strengthen ties with India, Rahman’s victory opens a new chapter in India-Bangladesh relations. Modi’s Bengali message is seen as a direct outreach to the people of Bangladesh and a step toward rebuilding strong and cooperative ties between the two neighboring nations.
