NEW DELHI: The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for acknowledging the party’s leadership in the national elections, saying “look forward to engaging constructively with India to advance our multifaceted relationship”The party’s official social media handle posted:”Thank you very much, Honourable @narendramodi. We greatly appreciate your kind acknowledgment of Mr. Tarique Rahman’s leadership in securing the BNP’s decisive win in the national elections. This outcome reflects the trust and confidence the people of Bangladesh have placed in our leadership and in the democratic process.”“We look forward to engaging constructively with India to advance our multifaceted relationship, guided by mutual respect, sensitivity to each other’s concerns, and a shared commitment to peace, stability, and prosperity in our region,” it added.PM Modi also spoke directly with Tarique Rahman on Friday congratulating him on the party’s victory and reaffirming India’s commitment to close bilateral ties. In a post on X, PM Modi said:“Delighted to speak with Mr. Tarique Rahman. I congratulated him on the remarkable victory in the Bangladesh elections. I conveyed my best wishes and support in his endeavour to fulfil the aspirations of the people of Bangladesh.”The BNP secured a two-thirds majority in the parliamentary elections, winning more than 200 seats and surpassing its 2001 tally of 193. The victory is being seen as a move toward political stability after months of unrest following the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in a youth-led uprising in July 2024.Tarique Rahman, son of BNP founder and former president Ziaur Rahman, returned to Dhaka in December after spending 18 years in exile and is expected to be sworn in as prime minister. Ziaur Rahman, who ruled Bangladesh from 1977 until his assassination in 1981, remains a key figure in the country’s political history.
