New Delhi

Narendra Modi on Tuesday invited Tarique Rahman, Chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and newly sworn-in Prime Minister of Bangladesh, to pay an official visit to India at a time convenient to both sides.

In a congratulatory letter, Modi also extended the invitation to Rahman’s wife, Dr. Zubaida Rahman, and their daughter, Zaima, assuring them of a warm reception in India. The Prime Minister conveyed his best wishes for Rahman’s health and success in office, as well as for the continued development and prosperity of the Bangladeshi people.

Modi praised the BNP’s success in the recent parliamentary elections, describing the outcome as a clear endorsement of Rahman’s leadership and vision for ensuring peace, stability and economic progress in Bangladesh. He expressed confidence that Rahman would effectively shoulder the responsibilities of his new role.

Referring to the close ties between the neighbouring nations, Modi noted that India and Bangladesh share a longstanding relationship built on common history, cultural linkages and shared aspirations for growth and harmony. He emphasised that similarities in their development priorities would shape future cooperation.

The Indian Prime Minister also said he was keen to collaborate closely with his Bangladeshi counterpart to further deepen bilateral engagement and regional partnerships. Areas highlighted for cooperation included connectivity, trade, technology, education, skill development, energy, healthcare, and people-to-people exchanges. He underlined that as rapidly growing economies, both countries have the potential to support each other’s security and sustainable advancement.

Rahman assumed office earlier in the day in a ceremony held at the South Plaza of the National Parliament Building in Dhaka. The oath of office was administered by President Mohammed Shahabuddin at around 4:15 pm, marking the BNP’s return to power after nearly two decades.

In the February 12 general elections, the BNP-led alliance secured a decisive mandate, winning 212 out of 300 seats in parliament.

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India’s representation at the swearing-in ceremony included Om Birla, highlighting the importance New Delhi attaches to political developments in Dhaka.