PM Modi Extends Warm Congratulations to Bangladesh's New Prime Minister Tarique Rahman
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has formally congratulated Bangladesh's newly sworn-in Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on his electoral victory and appointment, emphasizing the strong historical and cultural bonds between the two neighboring nations. In a personal letter delivered by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla in Dhaka, PM Modi expressed his best wishes for Rahman's tenure.
A Letter of Goodwill and Future Cooperation
The Prime Minister's message, handed over during Birla's visit to Bangladesh, stated: "I extend my warmest congratulations to you 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. I wish you every success as you assume the high responsibilities of this office."
PM Modi described Rahman's win as a clear reflection of public trust, writing: "Your victory is 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."
Highlighting Deep-Rooted Ties and Shared Aspirations
The Prime Minister underscored the foundational elements of the India-Bangladesh relationship, noting that both countries share a "deep-rooted friendship founded on shared history, cultural ties, and the aspirations of our peoples for peace and prosperity." He added that the alignment of developmental priorities would serve as a guiding force for future collaborative efforts.
PM Modi outlined his vision for enhanced cooperation, stating: "I look forward to working closely with you to strengthen our multifaceted bilateral relations, enhance regional cooperation, and advance our common goals in wide-ranging areas of connectivity, trade, technology, education, skill development, energy, healthcare, as well as cultural and people-to-people exchanges."
Invitation for a Visit and Mutual Growth Prospects
In his letter, the Prime Minister extended a cordial invitation to Prime Minister Rahman, along with his wife Dr. Zubaida Rahman and daughter Zaima, to visit India "at a mutually convenient time," assuring that "A warm welcome awaits you in India."
PM Modi emphasized the potential for mutual growth, remarking: "As two fast-growing economies and aspiring societies, India and Bangladesh can truly become catalysts for each other's sustainable growth, work for each other's security and enable mutual prosperity."
Background on the Diplomatic Engagement
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, accompanied by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, attended Rahman's swearing-in ceremony on Tuesday on behalf of the Indian government. Following the event, Birla met with the new Prime Minister to personally deliver PM Modi's congratulatory letter.
Tarique Rahman, leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, was sworn in as Prime Minister after his party secured 209 of the 297 seats in the parliamentary elections held on February 12. He succeeds interim government chief Muhammad Yunus, who assumed office after the fall of the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League government in August 2024.
Earlier, Bangladesh's interim government chief Md. Yunus had extended an invitation to PM Modi to attend Rahman's swearing-in ceremony. However, due to prior commitments including the visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to Mumbai and the Artificial Intelligence Summit in Delhi this week, the Prime Minister declined the invitation.
