World leaders congratulate Tarique Rahman
Diplomatic Correspondent :
Major global powers have congratulated Bangladesh following the 13th National Parliamentary Election, signalling their readiness to work with the new government led by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).
In a Facebook post, the United States Embassy in Dhaka congratulated the people of Bangladesh on what it described as a successful election and extended greetings to the BNP and its Acting Chairman, Tarique Rahman.
“Congratulations to the people of Bangladesh on a successful election,” the embassy said, adding that Washington “looks forward to working with you to realize shared goals of prosperity and security.”
The Chinese Embassy in Bangladesh also welcomed the outcome, calling the polls “smooth and successful”. It congratulated the BNP for taking the lead and expressed optimism about future ties.
“We look forward to working together with the new government of Bangladesh,” the embassy said, noting its intention to write “new chapters” in bilateral relations.
In Beijing, a spokesperson for China’s Foreign Ministry said China had noted
that Bangladesh held a “steady and smooth” general election and congratulated the BNP on its victory.
Responding to a question on the results, which showed the BNP winning 209 of the 297 declared directly elected seats, the spokesperson said China, as a traditional friend and neighbour, supports Bangladesh in advancing its domestic political agenda.
Beijing also expressed its readiness to deepen high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and strengthen the China-Bangladesh comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally conveyed his congratulations to Rahman, describing the result as a reflection of public trust in his leadership.
“This victory shows the trust of the people,” Modi said, adding that India would continue to support “a democratic, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh” and strengthen multifaceted relations.
Modi later said he was “delighted to speak” with Rahman by telephone and had conveyed his best wishes and support in fulfilling the aspirations of the Bangladeshi people.
Reaffirming India’s commitment, he described the two countries as close neighbours with deep-rooted historical and cultural ties and pledged continued cooperation for “peace, progress, and prosperity”.
In response, BNP leaders thanked the Indian Prime Minister for his message. Speaking on Friday, Nazrul Islam Khan, chairman of the party’s election management committee, said the BNP also expressed its gratitude to Modi.
“We believe that under the leadership of our leader Tarique Rahman, relations between the two countries and their peoples will be further strengthened,” he said.
From Islamabad, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended what he called his “warmest felicitations” to Rahman and the people of Bangladesh.
He said Pakistan looks forward to working closely with the new leadership to advance “peace, stability, and development in South Asia and beyond”.
Earlier, on 12 February, President Asif Ali Zardari conveyed his best wishes to the government and people of Bangladesh as more than 127 million voters headed to the polls to elect representatives to 300 parliamentary seats.
He expressed hope that the electoral process would strengthen democratic institutions and contribute to peace, stability and continued progress, reaffirming Pakistan’s goodwill and support for Bangladesh’s democratic aspirations.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim also congratulated Rahman and the BNP on what he described as an emphatic victory.
“This is a triumph of democracy: the Bangladeshi people, having navigated a period of extraordinary challenges, have spoken clearly at the ballot box,” he wrote on Facebook.
Anwar also expressed appreciation to Muhammad Yunus for his stewardship as Chief Adviser during the transition and for ensuring that the democratic process proceeded smoothly.
He said Malaysia looks forward to working with the new leadership to inject fresh energy into bilateral ties and extended warm regards to the people of Bangladesh.
The stream of congratulatory messages underscores broad international willingness to engage with Bangladesh’s new administration, with leaders highlighting shared priorities ranging from economic growth and security to regional stability and development.
United Kingdom also congratulated Tarique Rahman and the BNP and the people of Bangladesh as the country enters a ‘new chapter’.
In a Facebook post, UK in Bangladesh wrote, “We look forward to working together on our shared priorities : economic growth, migration, climate and security.”
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banarjee also congratulated Tarique Raham addressing him ‘My Tarique Bhai’ and expressed hope that bilateral relations would remain cordial.
In a post from her verified X handle, she wrote, “My hearty congratulations, shubhonandan, to all my brothers and sisters, all the people of Bangladesh. My advance Ramazan Mubarak to all of them.”
She added, “For this great victory, my congratulations to my Tarique Bhai, his party and other parties. May you all be well and happy.”
Congratulating BNP on its victory, President of Maldives Dr Mohamed Muizzu in a post on X noted that he looks forward to working closely together to further advance and deepen the longstanding friendship and cooperation between the Maldives and Bangladesh.
The President added that he is confident the bilateral partnership will continue to grow in scope and strength in the years ahead.