Ex-Bangladesh PM Hasina wishes Suvendu Adhikari on becoming Bengal CM, highlights strong bilateral ties
Dhaka, May 9
Former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Saturday conveyed heartfelt wishes to Suvendu Adhikari on being sworn in as the Chief Minister of West Bengal following the Bharatiya Janata Party's landslide victory in the state Legislative Assembly elections.
"I extend my heartfelt congratulations and warmest wishes to Shri Suvendu Adhikari on behalf of myself personally and the people of Bangladesh for the landslide victory of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the West Bengal Legislative Assembly elections and for assuming office as the Chief Minister of West Bengal, India," read a statement issued by Hasina which was posted on the Awami League's social media platform X.
Adhikari on Saturday took the oath as the Chief Minister of the first BJP-ruled West Bengal government, along with five other members of the state Council of Ministers led by him.
The other five members of the state Council of Ministers who were sworn in on Saturday include the former national vice-president and former state president of the BJP in West Bengal, Dilip Ghosh; fashion-designer-turned-politician and two-time BJP legislator Agnimitra Paul; former BJP Lok Sabha member and the former Union Minister of State for Home Nisith Pramanik; Ashok Kirtania; and Khudiram Tudu.
Hasina stressed that the verdict of the people of West Bengal reflects their "deep trust and admiration" for Adhikari's "strong people-oriented" leadership.
She noted West Bengal holds a significant place in the history of the close friendship between Bangladesh and India.
"We share a bond rooted in common language, culture, and heritage, and I believe that under his leadership, this relationship will reach new heights in the future. As neighbours, we have always wished for the prosperity and peace of West Bengal," the former PM said.
She expressed hope that the longstanding tradition of mutual cooperation between the two nations will grow stronger during Adhikari's tenure, with continued bilateral cooperation for the shared development and welfare of the people on both sides.
"I wish Suvendu Adhikari and all members of the newly elected cabinet of West Bengal continued success, good health, and a long life. I also extend my sincere best wishes to all the citizens of West Bengal," Hasina concluded.
— IANS
Reader Comments
While I appreciate the gesture, I'm a bit skeptical. Hasina's statement seems more about maintaining diplomatic appearances than genuine warmth. India-Bangladesh relations should transcend party politics in West Bengal. Hope Suvendu Adhikari focuses on developmental issues rather than mired in cultural nationalism that might strain ties.
Well said, Hasina ji! West Bengal and Bangladesh share a umbilical cord of language, culture, and history. As a Bengali myself, I feel this is a welcome signal that our neighbours understand the new political reality in Kolkata. Just hope the CM-elect reciprocates with grace. 🤝
This is quite cheeky from Hasina. She's clearly hedging her bets - after decades of cozying up to Mamata didi, now she knows the wind has changed in Delhi and Kolkata. But I respect the pragmatism. Diplomacy is about reality, not emotions. West Bengal definitely needs better ties with Dhaka for trade and transit.
Honestly, this feels like a political salami-slicing move by Hasina. She's sending signals to both Delhi and Kolkata that Bangladesh is ready to work with whoever is in power. Smart move, but I hope no one in West Bengal treats this as endorsement of any particular ideology. 😊
While diplomatic courtesies are fine, let's not ignore that Hasina's government has been accused of suppressing opposition and minority voices. The irony of her praising a BJP government in Bengal isn't lost on many. But for the sake of regional stability and people-to-people ties, I hope this works out positively. 🤞
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