Sheikh Hasina Congratulates Suvendu Adhikari on Becoming West Bengal CM

Suvendu Adhikari was sworn in as Chief Minister of West Bengal on Monday, following the BJP's victory in 207 of the state's 294 assembly seats. Hours after the ceremony, Sheikh Hasina, the ousted former prime minister of Bangladesh currently in exile in India, issued a statement congratulating Adhikari and calling the election result a reflection of public trust in his 'strong and people-oriented leadership'.

The BJP's win ends Trinamool Congress's 13-year rule under Mamata Banerjee, who conceded defeat after losing her own seat. Adhikari took oath alongside four ministers in a ceremony attended by senior BJP leaders, Union ministers, and NDA chief ministers. The party had campaigned on curbing illegal immigration across the West Bengal-Bangladesh border, a key electoral issue.

Hasina, who fled Dhaka in 2024 amid violent protests over job quotas and a subsequent crackdown, is now living in India. A Bangladeshi court later sentenced her to death in absentia on charges of crimes against humanity. Her Awami League party was barred from participating in February's general elections, which brought Tarique Rahman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party to power.

In her statement, Hasina highlighted the cultural and linguistic ties between Bangladesh and West Bengal, expressing hope that bilateral cooperation would strengthen under Adhikari's leadership. She extended greetings on behalf of the Bangladeshi people, despite no longer holding official authority.

The Indian government has not commented on Hasina's presence or statements. Diplomatic sources indicate that border management and regional security talks between Indian and Bangladeshi officials will resume next week.