Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today said in Dhaka that India is a great friend of Bangladesh. she said while exchanging views with foreign journalists and election observers at Ganabhaban, following the 12th parliamentary election. Hasina said that they (India) have supported us in 1971 and also in 1975. They gave shelter to me and my sister and my other family members. She was referring to her period in exile after the killing of her father Sheikh Majibur Rahman and other family members in 1975.
“We consider India as our next-door neighbour. We had many problems but we resolved it bilaterally. So, I really appreciate that we have a wonderful relationship with India,” she said.
Bangladesh Awami League clinched a landslide victory with over two-thirds majority in the 12th general elections. Awami League led 14-party alliance got another chance to form the government for the fourth consecutive term.
The massive victory has paved the way for Awami League President Sheikh Hasina to lead the government as Prime Minister for the fifth time and fourth times in a row.
The election commission so far announced the results of 298 parliamentary seats out of the 299 where the election was held. According to the result Awami League bagged 222 seats alone while Jatiya Party secured 11 seats. Independent candidates secured the second highest 62 seats. The remaining three seats were won by the other parties.
Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma congratulated Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina on her victory in the Bangladesh general elections and securing her fifth term in power.
By Navalsang Parmar
