PM Modi congratulates Tarique Rahman, BNP welcomes support
India is closely monitoring theparliamentary elections in Bangladesh, the first since the bloody July 2024 coup that ended Sheikh Hasina's 15-year rule and forced her into exile.
by Zee Media Bureau · Zee NewsPM Narendra Modi on Friday congratulated BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman on his party's decisive victory in Bangladesh's parliamentary elections, asserting that India will continue to support a democratic, progressive and inclusive neighbourhood as the BNP crossed the majority mark.
In a post on X, PM Modi said, "I convey my warm congratulations to Mr. Tarique Rahman on leading BNP to a decisive victory in the Parliamentary elections in Bangladesh. This victory shows the trust of the people of Bangladesh in your leadership. India will continue to stand in support of a democratic, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh. I look forward to working with you to strengthen our multifaceted relations and advance our common development goals."
BNP’s polls coordination committee chief, Nazrul Islam Khan, welcomed PM Modi’s congratulatory message, expressing gratitude on behalf of the party. He added that under the leadership of Tarique Rahman, ties between the two countries and their people are expected to strengthen.
Bangladesh election result
According to local media, the Tarique Rahman-led BNP and its allies, including Gono Odhikar Porishad and Gono Songhoti Andolon, have won 211 seats, securing a commanding two-thirds majority in parliament. The Jamaat-e-Islami alliance captured 70 seats, while other parties managed to win six.
Unofficial results from most constituencies indicate that BNP comfortably crossed the threshold required to form the government. In several key races, BNP candidates, including party chairman and prime ministerial front‑runner Tarique Rahman, emerged victorious with substantial vote counts. Overall, the outcome reflects a clear and decisive win for the party nationwide.
Who is Tarique Rahman?
Tarique Rahman is the eldest son of former President Ziaur Rahman and three-time Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. He returned to Bangladesh in December 2025 after 17 years in exile. His return came amid political turmoil following the July 2024 violence that ended Sheikh Hasina's long tenure. Following Khaleda Zia's death in December 2025, Tarique officially became BNP Chairman, having previously managed party affairs as Acting Chairman.
Why is Bangladesh elections important for India?
India is closely watching Bangladesh's parliamentary elections, the first since the violent July 2024 coup that toppled Sheikh Hasina and drove her into exile. Delhi sees a strong performance by radical Islamist groups like Jamaat-e-Islami or their role in a BNP-led coalition as a firm red line. Such a result could sour bilateral ties, draw Dhaka toward Pakistan and China, and erode India's regional clout, while raising fears of Bangladesh becoming a hub for Pakistan-linked militants threatening India's eastern border amid existing strains with Islamabad and Beijing.
These elections thus hold high stakes for India, determining if Dhaka stays a reliable ally against Chinese and Pakistani sway, thereby curbing risks of border tensions escalating into wider security challenges.