We can become catalysts for each other's growth: Modi to Tarique

DHAKA: BNP's landslide win in the Feb 12 parliamentary elections set in motion the end of Muhammad Yunus's role as chief adviser.

PM Modi was invited to Tarique Rahman's swearing-in ceremony in Dhaka but could not attend as he had a bilateral with French President Emmanuel Macron in Mumbai, a meeting decided weeks in advance. "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," Modi said as he invited the new PM, along with his wife Zubaida Rahman and his daughter Zaima, "on a visit to India at a mutually convenient time. A warm welcome awaits you in India."

He said that as two close neighbours, "India and Bangladesh have a deep-rooted friendship founded on shared history, cultural ties, and the aspirations of our peoples for peace and prosperity. The strong convergence between our respective developmental priorities shall serve as a guiding principle for our future cooperation."

Tarique (60) - the first male Bangladesh PM in 35 years - was administered the oath of office by President Mohammed Shahabuddin at the Jatiya Sangsad - the unicameral legislative body of Bangladesh - instead of the president's residence Bangabhaban, in a departure from a long-standing tradition, in the presence of several foreign dignitaries, including Birla who was accompanied by foreign secretary Vikram Misri.

Modi, who was the first global leader to call Tarique to congratulate him, wrote, "I look forward to working closely with you (PM Tarique) 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.

"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," PM Modi said in his letter.

On X, Speaker Om Birla, who called on Tarique after the ceremony, said, "India stands ready to support Bangladesh's endeavours to build a democratic, progressive and inclusive nation."

The Bangladesh PM conveyed his greetings to PM Modi and Speaker Birla. "Both leaders expressed optimism to work together for wellbeing of the people of Bangladesh and India pursuing people-centric menu of cooperation," Bangladesh high commissioner to India Riaz Hamidullah said.