Kamal Ghorui
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a letter congratulated Bangladesh’s newly sworn-in prime minister Tarique Rahman on his electoral victory and appointment, saying India and Bangladesh can “work for each other’s security and enable mutual prosperity.” The PM also extended an invitation to Rahman to visit India.In a personal letter handed over by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla in Dhaka, PM Modi said, “I extend my warmest congratulations to you on the victory of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party at the just concluded parliamentary elections in Bangladesh and on your appointment as the next Prime Minister of Bangladesh. I wish you every success as you assume the high responsibilities of this office.”Describing Rahman’s win as a reflection of public trust, PM Modi wrote, “Your victory is a testimony to the trust and confidence reposed by the people of Bangladesh in your leadership and their mandate for your vision to take the country forward on the path of peace, stability and prosperity.”The Prime Minister went on to highlight the historical and cultural ties between the two neighbours, saying India and Bangladesh share a “deep-rooted friendship founded on shared history, cultural ties, and the aspirations of our peoples for peace and prosperity.” He added that the convergence of developmental priorities would guide future cooperation.“I look forward to working closely with you to strengthen our multifaceted bilateral relations, enhance regional cooperation, and advance our common goals in wide-ranging areas of connectivity, trade, technology, education, skill development, energy, healthcare, as well as cultural and people-to-people exchanges,” PM wrote.“As two fast-growing economies and aspiring societies, India and Bangladesh can truly become catalysts for each other’s sustainable growth, work for each other’s security and enable mutual prosperity,” he said.PM Modi also extended an invitation to Rahman, along with his wife Dr Zubaida Rahman and daughter Zaima, to visit India “at a mutually convenient time,” adding that “A warm welcome awaits you in India.”Birla, accompanied by foreign secretary Vikram Misri, on Tuesday attended Rahman’s swearing-in ceremony on behalf of the Indian government and later met him to deliver the letter.Rahman, leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, was sworn in as prime minister after his party secured 209 of the 297 seats in the February 12 parliamentary elections. He succeeds interim government chief Muhammad Yunus, who took charge after the fall of the Sheikh Hasina led Awami League government in August 2024.Earlier Bangladesh’s interim government chief Md Yunus had extended an invitation to PM Modi to attend Rahman’s swearing-in. However, citing the visit of French president Emmanuel Macron to Mumbai and the Artificial Intelligence Summit in Delhi this week, the PM declined the invitation.
