DHAKA, Jan 8, 2023 (BSS) - Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi phoned Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina this evening and expressed his heartiest congratulations on the victory of Awami League under her leadership in the 12th parliamentary elections.

"Honorable Indian Prime Minister called our Honorable Prime Minister at 6.45 pm and greeted on her victory," Assistant press secretary to the Prime Minister MM Emrul Kayas told BSS.

He said the Indian premier also congratulated the people of Bangladesh for holding the national election successfully.

Modi said his country is committed to further strengthen the Indian partnership with Bangladesh in different sectors.

In reply, Kayas said, the Bangladesh premier also thanked her Indian counterpart for the greetings.  

The Awami League President Sheikh Hasina said her government is always firmly committed to maintain good relations with the neighboring countries.

"Spoke to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and congratulated her on her victory for a historic fourth consecutive term in the parliamentary elections ... we are committed to further strengthen our enduring and people-centric partnership with Bangladesh," Narendra Modi wrote in his X handle (former tweeter) after the telephone conversation.

In his tweet, the Indian premier also congratulated the people of Bangladesh for the successful conduct of elections.

Meanwhile, a press release issued by Indian high commission here said in a congratulatory letter sent today, Prime Minister Modi said the historic and close ties between India and Bangladesh will continue to deepen in all areas of their irreversible partnership.

The Indian prime minister affirmed that as a close friend and trusted development partner of Bangladesh, India will continue to support Bangladesh's aspirations and growth.

In the letter, the Indian prime minister also conveyed his best wishes to the people of Bangladesh for their continued progress, peace and prosperity.

Earlier, in the morning, Indian High Commissioner in Dhaka Pranay Verma called on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to conveyed Indian government's and premier Modi's warm greetings and congratulations to her.

The envoy expressed hope that during the new term of her government, there will be even stronger momentum and growth in the bilateral partnership in support of each other's national development.

Besides, Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck also called Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and greeted on her victory.