Mamata congratulates 'Tarique-bhai' on Bangladesh poll win, wishes for cordial ties

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday congratulated the people of Bangladesh and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chief Tarique Rahman following the party’s decisive electoral victory. In a message, she extended “hearty congratulations” to the people of Bangladesh and conveyed advance Ramzan greetings.

“My hearty congratulations, shubhonandan, to all my brothers and sisters, all the people, in Bangladesh. My advance Ramazan mubarak to all of them,” Banerjee said. She added, “For this great victory, my congratulations to my Tarique-Bhai, his party, and all the parties. Pray, you all be well and happy. Wish that our relations with Bangladesh be always cordial.”

Ahead of the polls, the BNP had softened its tone in its manifesto, calling for “collective progress” and advocating relations with neighbouring countries based on equality, mutual respect and shared development goals. Tarique Rahman, who is poised to become Bangladesh’s Prime Minister, had said the party would pursue cooperation with neighbours while firmly safeguarding the country’s independence and sovereignty.

In a statement after the results, the BNP said it would not hold rallies or celebratory meetings despite returning to power after 20 years. Instead, the party announced it would organise a prayer meet and sought “forgiveness and good wishes” from supporters for former Prime Minister Khalida Zia, who passed away in December last year.