After the landslide: Can India reset ties with a BNP-led Bangladesh?

(Soutik Biswas – BBC) When the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) swept to a landslide in the general elections on Friday, Delhi responded with studied warmth. In a message posted in Bengali, Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated BNP leader Tarique Rahman, the 60-year-old dynast, on a “decisive victory”. He pledged India’s support for a “democratic, progressive and inclusive” neighbour. He added that he looked forward to working closely to strengthen “our multifaceted relationship”. The tone was forward-looking – and careful. Since Sheikh Hasina fled to India after the Gen Z-led July 2024 uprising, ties between the neighbours have frayed, with mistrust hardening on both sides. Hasina’s Awami League – the country’s oldest party – was barred from contesting the election. – Bangladesh election: Can India reset ties with a BNP-led government