Dhaka: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has extended his warm congratulations to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on his electoral victory and expressed his wish to work together for the well being of the two peoples. ‘I extend my warmest congratulations to you (Rahman) on the victory of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party at the just concluded parliamentary elections in Bangladesh and on your appointment as the next Prime Minister of Bangladesh,’ the Indian premier wrote.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Indian high commission in Dhaka released the letter where Modi wished the new Bangladesh premier every success as he assumed the ‘high responsibilities of the office’. Modi expressed his eagerness to collaborate with Rahman to strengthen bilateral relations, enhance regional cooperation, and advance common goals in areas such as connectivity, trade, technology, education, skill development, energy, healthcare, culture, and people-to-people exchanges.
Modi described Rahman’s victory as a ‘testimony to the trust and confidence reposed by the people of Bangladesh in your leadership and their mandate for your vision to take the country forward on the path of peace, stability, and prosperity’. The Indian premier extended an invitation to Rahman, along with Dr. Zubaida Rahman and their daughter Zaima, to visit India at a mutually convenient time, assuring them of a warm welcome.
Modi emphasized the ‘deep-rooted friendship’ between India and Bangladesh, founded on common history, cultural bonds, and shared aspirations, suggesting that these elements would guide future cooperation. He noted that the strong convergence between the developmental priorities of both nations could serve as a catalyst for sustainable growth, security, and prosperity.
New Bangladesh premier’s Press Secretary Saleh Shibly reported that Indian Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla met Rahman shortly after he was sworn in, delivering a congratulatory letter from his Indian counterpart. Shibly mentioned that Rahman and Birla had a discussion lasting over 15-20 minutes, during which the Indian speaker expressed hopes for further growth in Delhi-Dhaka ties under Rahman’s new government.