Former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Saturday, 9 May extended congratulations to Suvendu Adhikari on his swearing-in as the Chief Minister of West Bengal, following the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'s landslide victory in the state Legislative Assembly elections. The message, issued as a formal statement, was posted on the Awami League's official account on social media platform X.

Hasina's Message to Adhikari

"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," the statement read.

Hasina described the electoral verdict as a reflection of the people of West Bengal's "deep trust and admiration" for Adhikari's "strong people-oriented" leadership. She also underscored that West Bengal holds a "significant place" in the history of close friendship between Bangladesh and India.

Bilateral Ties at the Fore

The former prime minister emphasised the deep cultural and linguistic bonds shared across the border. "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," she said.

Hasina expressed hope that the longstanding tradition of mutual cooperation between the two nations would grow stronger under Adhikari's tenure, with continued bilateral cooperation for the "shared development and welfare of the people on both sides."

Adhikari's Swearing-In and the New Cabinet

Suvendu Adhikari was sworn in as the Chief Minister of the first BJP-led government in West Bengal on Saturday, alongside four other members of the state Council of Ministers. The expanded cabinet includes notable political figures: former national vice-president and former state BJP president Dilip Ghosh; fashion-designer-turned-politician and two-time BJP legislator Agnimitra Paul; former BJP Lok Sabha member and former Union Minister of State for Home Nisith Pramanik; Ashok Kirtania; and Khudiram Tudu.

This marks a historic shift in West Bengal's political landscape, which had been governed by the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) under Mamata Banerjee for over a decade.

Significance of the Diplomatic Gesture

Hasina's message carries diplomatic weight beyond ceremony. Bangladesh and India share one of South Asia's most consequential bilateral relationships, with West Bengal serving as a geographic and cultural bridge. Notably, this is among the first formal congratulatory messages from a foreign leader following the BJP's breakthrough in the state. The outreach signals Dhaka's intent to maintain warm ties regardless of which party governs in Kolkata.

Hasina concluded her statement by wishing Adhikari and all members of the newly elected cabinet "continued success, good health, and a long life," and extended "sincere best wishes to all the citizens of West Bengal." How the new West Bengal government engages with Dhaka on cross-border trade, water-sharing, and cultural exchanges will be closely watched in the months ahead.