Inviting Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and his family to visit India, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said Bangladesh and India can truly become catalysts for each other's sustainable growth, work for each other's security and enable mutual prosperity as two fast-growing economies and aspiring societies.

“I look forward to working closely with you to strengthen our multifaceted bilateral relations, enhance regional cooperation, and advance our common goals in wide-ranging areas of connectivity, trade, technology, education, skill development, energy, healthcare, as well as cultural and people-to-people exchanges,” he said in a letter that was handed over to Prime Minister Tarique on Tuesday.

Tarique Rahman: From London exile to Bangladesh’s Prime Minister

Speaker of the Indian Lok Sabha Om Birla represented the government of India at the swearing-in ceremony of the newly elected government of Bangladesh led by Tarique Rahman, Chairman of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).

Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri accompanied the Speaker.

"Just concluded a constructive meeting with the Prime Minister of Bangladesh... I handed over a personal letter from Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveying his wishes to PM Tarique Rahman and inviting him to visit India at the earliest convenience,” said Speaker Om Birla after the meeting.

He extended warm congratulations on behalf of the people of India and reaffirmed their commitment to deepening the enduring partnership between the two neighbouring countries.

As two close neighbours, Prime Minister Modi said Bangladesh and India have a deep-rooted friendship founded on shared history, cultural ties, and the aspirations of their peoples for peace and prosperity.

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“The strong convergence between our respective developmental priorities shall serve as a guiding principle for our future cooperation,” Modi said.

He invited the Prime Minister, his wife Dr Zubaida Rahman, their daughter Barrister Zaima Rahman to pay a visit to India at a convenient time.

“I take this opportunity to invite you, along with Dr Zubaida Rahman and your daughter Zaima, on a visit to India at a mutually convenient time. A warm welcome awaits you in India,” Modi said.

The Indian Prime Minister extended his warmest congratulations to PM Tarique on the victory of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party at the just concluded parliamentary elections in Bangladesh and on his appointment as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh. “I wish you every success as you assume the high responsibilities of this office.”

Modi said Tarique’s victory is a testimony to the trust and confidence reposed by the people of Bangladesh in his leadership and their mandate for his vision to take the country forward on the path of peace, stability and prosperity.

He conveyed his best wishes for Tarique’s good health and success, and for the continued progress and prosperity of the people of Bangladesh.

Following the swearing-in of the new Bangladesh government, visiting Speaker of Indian Lok Sabha Om Birla met Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and conveyed the greetings from the Prime Minister of India.

The Speaker conveyed wishes from India and an invitation to visit India.

Both leaders expressed optimism to work together for the wellbeing of people of Bangladesh and India pursuing a people-centric menu of cooperation.

BNP Chairman Tarique was sworn in as the country’s new Prime Minister on Tuesday afternoon.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin administered the oath at the South Plaza of Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban around 4:15pm.

Earlier in the day, BNP Parliamentary Party at a meeting at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban elected Tarique Rahman as leader of the party’s parliamentary party.

The Indian Air Force special aircraft carrying the Indian delegation landed at the Bangladesh Air Force airbase in Dhaka, a senior official told UNB.

Bangladesh Ministry of Foreign Affairs Secretary Dr Md Nazrul Islam, Indian High Commissioner in Bangladesh Pranay Verma and Bangladesh High Commissioner to India Md Riaz Hamidullah received the delegation.