West Bengal: Former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina congratulates Suvendu Adhikari, pens special message

Kolkata: BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari has become the new Chief Minister of West Bengal. On Saturday, Suvendu took the oath of office as CM. For the first time in West Bengal's history, a BJP government has been formed. In response to this, former Prime Minister of Bangladesh and President of the Awami League, Sheikh Hasina, extended her congratulations to Suvendu and expressed hope that, under Adhikari's leadership, West Bengal's development would proceed at an even faster pace.

A letter containing Sheikh Hasina's congratulatory message to Suvendu has also surfaced. Dated May 9, the letter states that Sheikh Hasina—President of the Bangladesh Awami League and former Prime Minister of the People's Republic of Bangladesh—today extended her heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to Suvendu Adhikari following the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) decisive victory in the West Bengal Assembly elections.

What did Sheikh Hasina say in her message to Suvendu Adhikari?

In her message, she wished for good health and success for West Bengal's newly elected Chief Minister, Suvendu Adhikari, and all members of his cabinet. Sheikh Hasina expressed hope that, under his (Adhikari's) able leadership, West Bengal's development would gain further momentum, and the long-standing historical ties of friendship and cooperation between Bangladesh and India would be further strengthened. She also wished for continued prosperity and well-being for all elected representatives and the people of West Bengal.

Sheikh Hasina concluded her letter with the salutations "Joy Bangla," "Joy Bangabandhu," and "May Bangladesh Live Forever." It is noteworthy that Sheikh Hasina was compelled to leave Bangladesh at a time when protesters there had launched a massive agitation against her. She had to suddenly flee the country and come to India. Since then, she has been residing in a secure location in New Delhi. The Government of Bangladesh has repeatedly demanded that India hand over Sheikh Hasina, but no action has been taken in this regard thus far. Under Sheikh Hasina's leadership, relations between India and Bangladesh have remained quite cordial. This is believed to be the reason why India has stood by Sheikh Hasina during her time of crisis.

Has Bangladesh Also Congratulated the BJP?

Following its victory in the West Bengal Assembly elections, the Government of Bangladesh had also sent a congratulatory message to the BJP. Additionally, he requested a reconsideration of the long-stalled Teesta water-sharing agreement. BNP Information Secretary Azizul Bari Helal expressed hope that the BJP's victory in this eastern state could help further improve relations between the governments of West Bengal and Bangladesh. Speaking to the news agency ANI, the Bangladeshi leader stated that this political shift could pave the way for better cooperation and more stable bilateral relations between Dhaka and Kolkata.