PM Modi congratulates BNP's Tariq Rehman on poll victory, says 'India will continue to stand in support of inclusive Bangladesh.
Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chairperson Tarique Rahman has claimed victory in Bangladesh's 13th parliamentary elections. Rahman, the son of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, formally assumed office as Chairman of the party on January 9, shortly after her passing.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today spoke to Bangladesh Nationalist Party chairman Tarique Rahman and congratulated him on the remarkable victory in the Bangladesh elections. In a social media post, Mr Modi said he conveyed his best wishes and support in Mr Rahman’s endeavour to fulfil the aspirations of the people of Bangladesh. Prime Minister Modi said that as two close neighbours with deep-rooted historical and cultural ties, he reaffirmed India’s continued commitment to the peace, progress, and prosperity of the people of both nations.
The elections were the first in Bangladesh without two former prime ministers-Awami League chief Sheikh Hasina, who was deposed following a mass student-led uprising in August 2024 and has been in India since, and former Bangladesh Nationalist Party leader Khaleda Zia, who passed away in December last year-both of whom have dominated the country's politics for decades.
Voters also participated in a referendum on the July National Charter, which includes major reforms agreed upon by the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government and several political parties. Key provisions of the charter include limiting prime ministers to two terms (10 years), creating an upper house of parliament, and reinstating the caretaker system-where a caretaker government oversees the country for 90 days prior to elections to ensure they are free and fair.
However, Sheikh Hasina described the elections as "deceptive" and called for their cancellation, citing low turnout and claiming polling stations were "completely empty of voters." In a statement, she said, "In this situation, we demand the cancellation of this voterless, illegal, and unconstitutional election; the resignation of Yunus."
By:- Devalay Dey Law Student | Public Policy & Independent Political Commentator