Congress parliamentarian Sukhdev Bhagat welcomed the results with a call to action. ‘Congratulations to all. The new administration must prove responsive to the people’s needs, especially in safeguarding minorities effectively,’ he told reporters.

BJP’s Dilip Ghosh envisioned brighter days ahead. ‘Peace will return promptly, propelling Bangladesh back onto the path of progress,’ he said.

Jugantor newspaper, quoting BNP sources, reports Rahman – who took reins post his mother Khaleda Zia’s death – as the next PM. His dual victories underscore the wave: 72,699 votes in Dhaka-17 edged out Khaliduzzaman’s 68,300, while Bogra-6 saw him surge to 216,284 against Sohel’s 97,626.

Rahman’s pre-election bravado held firm; he was ‘100% confident’ of triumph. As son of Ziaur Rahman, his rise closes a chapter while opening new ones.

Indian voices like Bhagat highlight minority security as a litmus test for the incoming regime. Amid past violence concerns, this victory could redefine Bangladesh-India ties, promoting mutual security and economic collaboration in South Asia.

Responding to the comments made by bangladesh officers on the developments in west Bengal, jaiswal said that India rejects their remarks.

“We reject the remarks made by the bangladesh side with regard to the agents in west Bengal. Minorities in Bangladesh, where the criminal perpetrators of such acts continue to roam free, “The mea spokesperson said.

Jaiswal also said that instead of making ‘unwarranted comments,’ Bangladesh Should Focus on Protecting the rights of its own minors.

He added, “INTEAD of Making Unwarranted Comments and Indulging in Virtue Signaling, Bangladesh Would Do Better to Focus on Protecting the rights of its own minors.”

Our Response to Media Queries Regarding Comments Made by Bangladesh Officials on the Developments in West Bengal:

https://t.co/p6duqlrndj pic.twitter.com/HMIAI5U0VP – Randhir Jaiswal (@Meaindia) April 18, 2025

Also Read: West Bengal Governor Ignres Mamata’s Request to Not Visit Murshidabad

According to Media Reports, Bangladesh Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus’s Press Secretary, Shafiqul Alam, on Chiursday, in a Media Breiefing, Clarified that Bangladesh Has No Involvement in Murshidabad Violence.

Alam said that bangladesh condemns the attackers on Muslims and urges the Indian and west bengal governments to take steps to protect ‘the mineority Muslim population’.

Also Read: India Working Closely with Belgium on Mehul Choksi’s Extradition: Mea

Earlier, the protests against the waqf (amendment) Act, 2025, in West Bengal’s Murshidabad Turned Violent and Resulted in loss of life and property.

On the other hand, as far as India-bangladesh relations are concerned, new Delhi on Thursday said that its decision to withdraw the transaction facility for bangladeshi experts for bangladeshi experts in To some measures initiated by dhaka that impacted the bilateral trade between the two nations.

ISI’s Director General of Analysis, Maj Gen Shahid Amir Afsar, along with other high-ranking Pakistani officials, is reportedly on a visit to Bangladesh, currently. This trip closely follows a Bangladeshi military delegation’s recent stop in Rawalpindi, where they held discussions with the top brass of Pakistan’s army, air force, and navy.

What MEA Said

“We keep an eye on all activities around the country and in the region, as well as all activities affecting national security, and the government will take appropriate steps,” External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal remarked, addressing a question on the matter.

Jaiswal highlighted India’s intent of a diplomatic approach towards Bangladesh. “We support a democratic, progressive, and inclusive Bangladesh. We want to strengthen our ties so that the people of India and Bangladesh can prosper,” he said.

Responding to concerns raised by Dhaka over India’s ongoing border fence construction, Jaiswal clarified that the initiative is aimed at curbing illegal activities such as human trafficking and cattle smuggling.

He further pointed out that the construction adheres to the provisions of existing bilateral agreements between the two nations.

India-Bangladesh Relations

During Sheikh Hasina’s tenure as Prime Minister, Pakistan’s ISI faced a significant crackdown in Bangladesh. The agency’s covert operations, political interference, and support for extremist groups were effectively halted. Hasina’s government took decisive action, prosecuting several individuals accused of collaborating with the ISI, including during the 1971 Bangladesh War.

Relations took a sharp downturn after the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus struggled to curb attacks on minorities, particularly Hindus, in Bangladesh. However, concerns are mounting as the interim administration led by Muhammad Yunus appears to be fostering closer military ties with Pakistan. This perceived shift in policy has raised questions about the potential resurgence of ISI influence in the region.

About demands by Bangladesh to extradite Hasina, he said, “I hope we will never disagree that Sheikh Hasina has done a lot of good for us. I am glad she was given refuge. I think we should be her host as long as she wants, even if it is for all her life.”

“They (reports about attacks on Hindus) are true but exaggerated, because many of the conflicts are more about settlement of political differences,” he said.

Pakistan is a country which spreads terror but it is also a victim of terror, Aiyar said.

“They (Pakistan) thought they could bring Taliban to power in Afghanistan, (but) today their single biggest threat is the Taliban in Afghanistan,” he said.

In a compliment to former prime minister Manmohan Singh, Aiyar said his single biggest achievement was to ensure that India talked to Pakistan on the back channel on what Gen Musharraf called the four-point agreement on Kashmir.

Singh also showed that it is possible to talk business with a military government, he said.

“It is suicidal for us to continue wearing Pakistan around our neck like the albatross. We should just talk to them as Manmohan Singh showed on the issue of Kashmir,” he said.

Aiyar earlier took part in a discussion on his recent book where he touched on issues like his relation with the Gandhi family, his tryst with the Congress party, his stint in the days at Cambridge and his commentary on the present situation in the country.