BNP's sweeping win signals reset in India-Bangladesh ties, say strategic experts
India Today
With the BNP, led by Tarique Rahman, set to secure a clear mandate, observers say the outcome reflects public endorsement of pro-Liberation, democratic forces, even as concerns remain over the influence of Jamaat-e-Islami and the protection of minorities.
A positive turn is likely in the ties between India and Bangladesh after a period of more than 18 months that saw the relations being marred by frostiness, as Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is set to secure a clear mandate in the neighbouring country's election, strategic affairs experts said on Friday.
As the BNP, led by Tarique Rahman, cruised towards a sweeping victory in the landmark parliamentary polls, many former Indian ambassadors welcomed the outcome and said this is a "good news" for Bangladesh, its people and those who are "friends of Bangladesh".
Many other former diplomats and strategic affairs experts, including those who have served in Bangladesh, also saw the BNP's imminent victory in the 13th parliamentary election as a development that bodes well for the India-Bangladesh ties.
The election assumed significance as it was held on February 12 after a period of tumultuous political vacuum, instability and fragile security situation, including widespread attacks on minorities, after the student-led protests brought down the 15-year rule of Sheikh Hasina in August 2024.
The BNP is set to return to power after a gap of two decades.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP and former foreign secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla described the poll outcome as a "good news" and said the results have "vindicated" the sentiments of the people of Bangladesh.
For years, Ram Setu has been invoked as "national heritage" in political discourse. But an RTI response reveals that, in official records, its status remains "nil".
Two LPG tankers tracked by India Today's OSINT team have taken the new route via Larak-Qeshm to cross the Strait of Hormuz.
What began as an abuse complaint has snowballed into a massive scandal involving rape allegations, hidden camera evidence, fraud and even murder claims, as more victims come forward against a Nashik godman.
From April 2026, the Delhi government is planning to recover over Rs 38,000 crore in dues to discoms.
The bill could increase total Lok Sabha seats to 816, reserving 273 for women, marking a major push to enhance female representation in Parliament based on the 2011 census.
Students told the Mahila Congress that the LPG shortage had disrupted their daily meals. They said the hostel administration had altered the menu, reduced one meal and discontinued evening tea in recent days.
India's consumer courts promise quick justice, but rising backlogs and staff shortages tell a different story. As cases pile up, the gap between what the system offers and what it delivers is widening.
A second patient died within 72 hours at RG Kar Hospital, with his family alleging that a lack of stretcher and basic facilities forced the critically ill man to walk 100 metres, leading to his death.
As Parliament prepares to bring amendments to the Transgender Act, activists warn the proposed changes risk rolling back years of hard-won rights.
A high-speed boat crash in the Maldives has left two Indians missing, including a celebrated rally figure, even as Gautam Singhania returns home. Search teams continue efforts amid mounting concern and unanswered questions.
A prominent seer, Pranavananda Swamiji, alleged that mutts backing Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar to take over the top post were denied any allocation in the state budget presented by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. He reiterated his support for Shivakumar to take over as the chief minister.
India's original Dhurandhar, Ravindra Kaushik, rose from acting at college theatres, to infiltrating the Pakistan Army as a RAW Agent. He provided critical intelligence on Pakistani troop movements and the country's nuclear programme, but died a lonely death after his betrayal and subsequent capture by the ISI.