PM phones Modi, greets on his party’s landslide poll victory

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today called Indian Premier Narendra Modi and extended heartiest congratulations to him on his party's landslide victory in the Indian general elections.

"The prime minister phoned her Indian counterpart at 5:30 pm and extended heartiest congratulations to him for his party's landslide victory in the 17th Lok Sabha elections in India," PM's Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim told BSS.

"On behalf of the government and the people of Bangladesh, my party and on my own behalf and family, I extend my heartiest congratulations to you on the resounding victory of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) led by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) under your dynamic leadership in the 17th Lok Sabha elections in India," she told Modi.

During the telephonic conversation that lasted over five minutes, the prime minister said: "This emphatic verdict is a reflection of the trust and confidence reposed on you by the people of India."

Describing the victory as historic one, Sheikh Hasina said the people of South Asia will be happy over this win and the people of the region could work together.

The prime minister invited Narendra Modi to visit Bangladesh and wished him success and good health, the press secretary said.

Earlier in a congratulatory message to Modi, Sheikh Hasina said Bangladesh attaches highest importance to its multi-faceted relations with India which is driven by genuine goodwill, mutual trust and respect.

She said India's critical role in support of Bangladesh's War of Independence under the leadership of the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in 1971 was a watershed moment in the relations.

"I strongly believe that with the renewed mandate given to both of us by our respective peoples, Bangladesh-India ties, which have already been termed as a role model of good neighbourliness, will be further consolidated and our relations will scale newer heights," she said.

The prime minister wished peace, happiness and prosperity to the people of India and expressed her best wishes for good health, continued success and a long life of Narendra Modi.

"I look forward to welcoming Your Excellency in Bangladesh at your convenience," she said.