BNP landslide

Modi calls up Tarique Rahman, reaffirms India’s commitment to strengthen ties with Bangladesh; focus shifts to govt formation

- JAYANTH JACOB & BAYEZID MILKY @New Delhi/Dhaka

Bangladesh Nationalist Party chairman Tarique Rahman (L) greets supporters as he leaves his residence in Dhaka a day after wresting power in the general elections, on Friday | PTI

(PTI)

IN a major diplomatic outreach following the Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s sweep of Bangladesh’s general election, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday spoke with BNP chief Tarique Rahman, congratulating him on leading the party to a decisive victory and reaffirming India’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties.

“Delighted to speak with Tarique Rahman. I congratulated him on the remarkable victory in the Bangladesh elections,” Modi said on X after the call. “I conveyed my best wishes and support in his endeavour to fulfil the aspirations of the people of Bangladesh. As two close neighbours with deep-rooted historical and cultural ties, I reaffirmed India’s continued commitment to the peace, progress, and prosperity of both our peoples.” Modi was the first world leader to speak with Rahman by phone.

Reacting to Modi’s phone call to Tarique Rahman, a BNP spokesperson said Bangladesh seeks balanced diplomatic ties with India.