Leaders of India, China, the United States, the United Kingdom and Malaysia congratulated the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on sweeping the general election, signalling early diplomatic engagement with the party chairman, Tarique Rahman, who is set to become prime minister.
India's prime minister, Narendra Modi, said he spoke directly to Rahman following the results. In a message posted on X, Modi said he was "delighted" to speak with the BNP leader and congratulated him on what he described as a "remarkable victory".
He conveyed his "best wishes and support" as Rahman seeks to fulfil the aspirations of the Bangladeshi people. Referring to the shared history and geography of the two nations, Modi reaffirmed India's commitment to "peace, progress and prosperity" for both countries.
China is also among the first to welcome the outcome. In a statement issued Friday, a Chinese government spokesperson said Beijing had taken note of what it described as a steady and smooth general election in Bangladesh and congratulated the BNP on its victory.
The spokesperson said China, calling itself a traditional friend and neighbour of Bangladesh, stood ready "to advance high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and deepen the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership" between the two countries.
On behalf Washington, the United States Embassy in Dhaka issued a statement congratulating both the people of Bangladesh and the BNP leadership. "Congratulations to the people of Bangladesh on a successful election and to the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and Tarique Rahman on your historic victory," says the note of greetings.
"The United States looks forward to working with you to realize shared goals of prosperity and security for both our countries."
The United Kingdom in a message said, "Congratulations to Tarique Rahman and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party on your election victory, and to the people of Bangladesh as the country enters a new chapter..
"We look forward to working together on our shared priorities: economic growth, migration, climate and security."
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim described the result as "a great victory for democracy". In a post on his verified X account, he said the people of Bangladesh sent a clear message through the ballot after enduring difficult times.
He also expressed appreciation to Chief Adviser of the interim government Muhammad Yunus for overseeing the electoral process and said Malaysia was keen to strengthen bilateral ties with the new leadership in Dhaka.
Messages of congratulations also came from Indian political leaders across party lines. Mallikarjun Kharge, leader of the opposition in India's Rajya Sabha and president of the Indian National Congress, says a democratic, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh is essential for regional stability and peace.
Meanwhile, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee extended greetings to the people of Bangladesh and congratulated Rahman and his party on what she called a "massive victory".
She holds the hope close ties between her state and neighbouring Bangladesh "would continue to flourish".
Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay has also congratulated BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on his party's massive election victory.
"I look forward to working closely to further strengthen the warm ties of friendship between Bhutan and Bangladesh," he said in a message on Friday.
"Warmest congratulations to Tarique Rahman and the BNP on winning the Bangladesh general elections," said the Bhutanese Prime Minister.
He said the resounding mandate reflects the confidence of the people of Bangladesh in Tarique Rahman's leadership and heralds a new chapter of peace and progress.
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