Mamata Banerjee Congratulates Tarique Rahman on BNP’s Landmark Victory in Bangladesh

Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee extended her congratulations to Tarique Rahman, son of late Khaleda Zia, following the Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s (BNP) major electoral win in Bangladesh. This marks BNP’s first significant victory in 20 years.

Banerjee took to X (formerly Twitter) to write in both English and Bengali, sending her heartfelt greetings to the people of Bangladesh. “My sincere congratulations to all my brothers and sisters in Bangladesh. Advance greetings for Ramadan to all. Heartiest congratulations to my brother Tarique, his party, and all associated parties for this great victory. May you all stay safe and happy, and may the bonds between Bangladesh and India always remain strong,” she tweeted.

BNP Secures Over Two-Thirds Majority
The BNP won more than 200 of the 299 seats in the national assembly, comfortably surpassing the majority mark of 150 seats. The Jamaat-e-Islami-led coalition secured over 70 seats. After 17 years, Tarique Rahman returned to Bangladesh politics and contested from two constituencies, winning both. Analysts note that the BNP’s victory came even in areas traditionally considered Awami League strongholds, with reports suggesting support from Hindu voters as well.

Political Significance
Tarique Rahman is now widely expected to assume the position of Prime Minister, marking the first male prime minister in Bangladesh in 35 years. Following the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government, Mohammed Yunus had served as acting Prime Minister. Khaleda Zia’s passing set the stage for BNP to emerge as the dominant party, signaling a major shift in Bangladesh’s political landscape. Sheikh Hasina has been residing in Delhi since her removal from office.

This historic electoral win underscores a changing political scenario in Bangladesh and is likely to have significant implications for India-Bangladesh relations.