Bangladesh elections: PM Modi congratulates Sheikh Hasina for "resounding" victory

New Delhi [India], Dec 31 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi has congratulated Sheikh Hasina for her "resounding victory" in the 11th Parliamentary elections in Bangladesh on Monday.

"Spoke to Sheikh Hasina Ji and congratulated her on the resounding victory in the Bangladesh elections. Wished her the very best for the tenure ahead," Prime Minister Modi tweeted on December 31. He is the first head of state to congratulate Hasina for securing a third straight term in office as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh.

"Reiterated India's continued commitment to work together for the development of Bangladesh and further strengthening of our bilateral relations," he further stated.

Before making the announcement on Twitter, Prime Minister Modi had called the President of the Bangladesh Awami League to extend his wishes. Hasina, while thanking the Prime Minister, “also thanked India for their consistent and generous support which has benefited Bangladesh’s development, and appreciated PM’s reiteration of this commitment,” according to an official press release.

Hasina's Awami League-led Grand Alliance, which includes 14 parties in total, won 288 seats, while the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) helmed Jatiya Oikya Front suffered a massive defeat by bagging only seven seats in total, according to The Daily Star.

Despite tight security arrangements, violence raged on in various pockets of Bangladesh causing the death of 18 people in total and injuring around 200 people. Moreover, nine people were arrested in poll-related violence across the state.

On the other hand, the opposition has cried foul over the elections results and has called for fresh elections to be held. (ANI)