Dhaka – The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is claiming a decisive victory in Bangladesh’s national elections, paving the way for party chief Tarique Rahman to become prime minister. While final results are pending, the outcome has already drawn congratulatory remarks from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“I convey my warm congratulations to Mr. Tarique Rahman on leading BNP to a decisive victory in the parliamentary elections in Bangladesh,” Modi stated in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. “This victory shows the trust of the people of Bangladesh in your leadership.”
Modi further assured the incoming government of India’s continued support for a “democratic, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh,” expressing his eagerness to strengthen bilateral relations and pursue shared development goals.
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,…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 13, 2026
A Potential Reset in Delhi-Dhaka Relations
Modi’s swift congratulatory message signals a willingness to engage with the new administration in Dhaka, following a period of strained relations during the interim leadership of Muhammad Yunus. Since the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024, following widespread student protests, Bangladesh has experienced a decline in both border and internal security, accompanied by a rise in illegal migration and concerns over the treatment of religious minorities.
The relationship between India and Bangladesh flourished under Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League government, which prioritized trade, transport, border security, and water-sharing agreements. Hasina, who fled to India and now faces a death penalty, pursued a largely pro-India foreign policy.
The return of the BNP to power evokes memories of the party’s previous tenure from 2001 to 2006, a period marked by cross-border insurgency and the controversial 2004 Chittagong arms haul, in which large quantities of weapons were allegedly smuggled to militant groups operating in India’s Northeast.
However, Tarique Rahman has publicly called for a “reset” in relations with India, pledging continued cooperation on counterterrorism efforts, resolution of the Teesta River water-sharing dispute, and protection of the Hindu minority population. Despite these assurances, Rahman’s “Bangladesh First” doctrine raises questions about the extent to which the new government will maintain the close strategic alignment that characterized the Hasina era.
The scale of the BNP’s victory, projected to exceed 200 seats in the 300-member parliament, represents a significant shift in Bangladesh’s political landscape. The party has urged restraint among its supporters, opting for nationwide prayers instead of celebratory rallies, a move intended to project an image of maturity and responsibility.
Rahman, the son of former President Ziaur Rahman, returned to Dhaka in December after spending 18 years in self-imposed exile. His father, a key figure in Bangladesh’s independence movement, ruled the country from 1977 until his assassination in 1981.
The election marks a turning point for Bangladesh, a nation grappling with political instability and economic challenges. The international community will be closely watching how the new government navigates these issues and how it balances its domestic priorities with its relationships with regional and global powers, particularly India.
The outcome also comes after Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus served as interim head of government following Hasina’s departure, a period of transition that saw increased scrutiny of Bangladesh’s democratic institutions and human rights record.
