Highlights:
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Modi congratulated Tarique Rahman after the BNP’s parliamentary election victory.
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Modi said the result reflected public trust in leadership.
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Reaffirmed India’s support for a democratic, progressive, and inclusive Bangladesh.
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BNP thanked Modi and described the message as significant.
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The election was Bangladesh’s first general poll since the 2024 uprising.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday (13) congratulated Bangladesh Nationalist Party leader Tarique Rahman after the BNP secured what it described as a decisive victory in Bangladesh’s parliamentary elections. Modi’s message was shared publicly on social media shortly after the election results were announced, marking an early diplomatic outreach from New Delhi.
Modi congratulates Tarique Rahman after BNP win
In his message, Modi extended his “warm congratulations” to Rahman for leading the BNP to victory. Modi said the election outcome reflected the trust of the Bangladeshi people in Rahman’s leadership. Modi emphasized India’s continued commitment to supporting a democratic, progressive, and inclusive Bangladesh.
Modi also expressed his intention to work closely with the incoming leadership. Modi said India looks forward to strengthening multifaceted ties and advancing shared development goals between the two neighboring countries. The statement underscored Modi’s focus on maintaining continuity in India-Bangladesh relations despite political changes in Dhaka.
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party responded positively to Modi’s outreach. BNP Standing Committee member and chief coordinator for the 2026 election Nazrul Islam Khan conveyed appreciation for India’s recognition of the electoral outcome. Khan thanked Modi for acknowledging what he described as the people’s verdict and said the gesture was significant coming from a democratic country.
Khan stated that the party viewed Modi’s congratulatory message as a sign of goodwill and mutual respect. On behalf of the BNP, he expressed optimism that under Rahman’s leadership, relations between Bangladesh and India would be further strengthened. He also highlighted the importance of cooperation at both the governmental and people-to-people levels.
Modi reiterates support for democratic Bangladesh
Modi’s message emphasized India’s support for democratic processes in Bangladesh. Modi said India remains committed to standing by Bangladesh as it continues on its path of political transition and development. By reiterating support for a “democratic, progressive, and inclusive Bangladesh,” Modi signaled policy continuity in New Delhi’s approach toward its eastern neighbor.
The parliamentary elections marked Bangladesh’s first general poll since the violent uprising of 2024. The unrest significantly reshaped the country’s political landscape and heightened public attention around the 2026 vote. A senior BNP official told international media agencies that the party’s win represented a major political turning point following that period of instability.
Modi’s early outreach following the results indicated India’s intent to maintain stable engagement during Bangladesh’s political transition. India and Bangladesh have historically collaborated on trade, connectivity, energy cooperation, border management, and regional security. Modi’s statement suggested that these areas of cooperation would continue under the new BNP-led government.
India and Bangladesh share deep economic and strategic ties. Over the past several years, both countries have expanded cross-border connectivity projects, strengthened trade flows, and coordinated on regional security initiatives. Modi’s remarks reinforced India’s interest in preserving and expanding these frameworks of cooperation.
The BNP’s response indicated that Dhaka’s new leadership is similarly open to sustained engagement with India. By publicly thanking Modi, BNP leaders signaled readiness to work with New Delhi on shared priorities.
Modi’s message shapes early tone of India-Bangladesh relations
As Bangladesh transitions to a new government, Modi’s congratulatory message sets an early diplomatic tone. Modi’s outreach comes at a time when political developments in Dhaka carry regional implications. The 2026 election follows a period of domestic unrest and heightened political tension, making international responses particularly significant.
By congratulating Rahman and reaffirming India’s support, Modi positioned India as an early and active partner in Bangladesh’s next political phase. Modi’s emphasis on cooperation, development, and inclusivity reflects India’s stated goal of maintaining stable and constructive ties with its neighbor.
With the BNP formally claiming victory and diplomatic exchanges already underway, the coming months are expected to define the direction of India-Bangladesh engagement. Modi’s message highlights India’s readiness to continue collaboration across economic, political, and strategic domains as Bangladesh enters a new chapter.
