With the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) winning more than 200 seats, expectations of political stability in Bangladesh have increased. Compared to Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, often perceived as pro-Pakistan, the BNP is considered a traditional and established political force. From India’s perspective, BNP’s victory is being seen as relatively reassuring. Had Jamaat-e-Islami won, it may have raised concerns in New Delhi. India has consistently maintained that Bangladesh should have a democratic government formed through free and fair elections. New Delhi has publicly supported democratic stability in Bangladesh and emphasized strong people-to-people ties. After the passing of Khaleda Zia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences, and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar visited Dhaka, where he also met Tarique Rahman and conveyed messages of solidarity. Many Bangladeshis believe relations with India should improve further, especially after perceived fluctuations during the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus. Given India’s historic role in Bangladesh’s 1971 Liberation War, public expectations are high that the new BNP-led government will strengthen bilateral ties while ensuring political stability and democratic continuity.
