Photo: Collected
Though the Western countries are yet to comment, India, China, Russia and other South Asian countries have congratulated Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on her election victory and reiterated their commitment to work together for stronger bilateral relations.
The envoys of the Philippines, Singapore and Sri Lanka also paid courtesy calls separately on Awami League President and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her official residence Ganabhaban on Monday (Jan 8) morning.
On behalf of their respective countries, they congratulated Hasina on her party's absolute victory in Sunday's (Jan 7) 12th National Parliamentary Election, according to a release from PM's press wing.
The delegates expressed their firm commitment to continue cooperation with Bangladesh, it said.
The prime minister thanked them and sought their cooperation in the development and advancement of Bangladesh.
The international community closely watched the election held on Sunday and foreign missions stationed in Dhaka have reportedly shared their reports based on their independent observations with their respective headquarters.
India has congratulated Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on her election victory and eyes "even stronger momentum and growth" in the bilateral partnership in support of each other's national development.
Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma met PM Hasina on Monday and conveyed "warm greetings and congratulations" on behalf of the government of India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The Indian high commissioner expressed hope that during the new term of PM Hasina's government, there will be even stronger momentum and growth in the bilateral partnership.
The envoy said that India will continue to support the people of Bangladesh in realizing their vision of a stable, progressive and prosperous nation, guided by their long-standing friendship and inspired by their shared sacrifices in the Liberation War.
Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen congratulated PM Hasina for successfully holding the 12th National Parliamentary Election and Awami League's victory.
Ambassador Yao conveyed warm congratulations and best wishes from Chinese leaders to PM Sheikh Hasina this morning.
The Chinese ambassador called on PM Hasina at Ganabhaban and reaffirmed that Chinese leaders are committed to working with her to carry forward the long-established friendship, enhance mutual trust, and deepen practical cooperation - thereby uplift the China-Bangladesh Strategic Partnership of Cooperation to a new height.
Ambassador Yao noted that both China and Bangladesh are at a critical stage of development and revitalisation, and China would always be the most trustworthy partner and the most reliable friend of Bangladesh on the way to modernization.
Under the guidance of Chinese President Xi Jinping and PM Sheikh Hasina, China and Bangladesh have set a model of mutual respect and win-win cooperation, said the Chinese Embassy in Dhaka.
China will firmly support Bangladesh in safeguarding national sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, and in opposing external interference, it said.
China will also support Bangladesh in maintaining unity and stability, and in playing a more active role in international and regional affairs, said the embassy.
China is committed to assisting Bangladesh in realizing the "Vision 2041" and the dream of "Sonar Bangla," it said.
Ambassador Yao said that China is prepared to strengthen all-round cooperation with Bangladesh, and take due actions to facilitate and expand trade and investment with Bangladesh, promote high-quality China-Bangladesh Belt and Road cooperation, and make its own contribution to realizing "Smart Bangladesh".
Russia also congratulated Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on her election victory.
Ambassador of Russia to Bangladesh Alexander Mantytsky was received by President of the Awami League and PM Hasina at her official residence Ganobhaban on Monday.
Alexander Mantytsky congratulated her on the party's victory in the 12th general parliamentary election, which was held on January 7.
He expressed hope for further cooperation between Russia and Bangladesh, and outlined promising areas of bilateral partnership.
Bhutan congratulated PM Hasina for the landslide victory in the 12th National Parliamentary Election of Bangladesh.
The 4th King of Bhutan, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, sent a letter of congratulations to the Prime Minister, mentioning that under her dynamic and strong leadership, Bangladesh has enjoyed peace, stability and unprecedented economic development, and Bhutan as a close friend, rejoices with the people of Bangladesh on this occasion.
In the congratulatory letter, the King of Bhutan also expressed his confidence that the close and special relations between Bhutan and Bangladesh will further be strengthened.
The King of Bhutan sent the letter of congratulations through the Ambassador of Bangladesh in Bhutan, Shib Nath Roy.
Visiting international observers described the just-held 12th National Parliamentary Election in Bangladesh as "free, fair and safe."
"Considering the overall situation, all the observers present here agree that the 12th National Parliamentary Election of Bangladesh was held peacefully and with the participation of the common people. It was free, fair and very safe," observer Terry L Easley said at a media briefing at Jatiya Press Club.
The observer from the US said there was no intimidation of voters by the candidates or parties participating in the election. "This bode well for democracy and voting rights."
"We have heard of some isolated incidents. Like clashes among the supporters of the government's candidates, independent candidates and other parties which is unexpected. But if we review the overall election situation, those incidents are very insignificant," Easley said.
"What we have seen is that the voting process of Bangladesh is similar to many countries in the world," said the leader of the international observers' team.
They said if all the political parties participated in the elections, the atmosphere would have been more beautiful and joyful.
They congratulated the Election Commission for conducting the election successfully and efficiently.
On Monday, AL President Hasina said Bangladesh has successfully set an example of holding free, fair and impartial polls through Sunday's general election.
"You have come and witnessed how the people vote in our country. We've set a precedent that the election can be free, fair and neutral," she said while exchanging post-election views with foreign observers and journalists at Ganobhaban.
Messenger/Sun Yath
