Kolkata: CM Mamata Banerjee, who had earlier congratulated Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chief Tarique Rahman on his poll victory, sent sweets and flowers to him on Saturday. The package also contained a note for Rahman.
The Dhaka Tribune reported that BNP media cell member Atiqur Rahman Ruman received the flowers and sweets at the party chairman's political office in Dhaka's Gulshan. Special officer Mehedul Islam Mehedi was also present. While there has been no official statement, BNP sources said Banerjee and Rahman also had a chat over the phone.
On Friday, Banerjee posted on X: "I congratulate Tarique bhai, his party and other political parties for this massive victory. I always hope that Bengal continues to have a cordial relationship with Bangladesh." Her message was posted hours after the election results were out.
Rahman, who will be sworn in as the next PM of Bangladesh on Feb 17, will have to address a number of bilateral issues involving Bengal, feel experts. "Teesta water sharing treaty is one of the crucial areas which Rahman will address. The BNP manifesto clearly mentioned that the party would take effective measures to secure Bangladesh's fair share of water," a BNP neta told TOI. Banerjee has always opposed Teesta water-sharing, saying that the river did not have enough water to be shared and any sharing of its waters would deprive farmers of north Bengal.
While the interim govt in Bangladesh even spoke about approaching international forums to resolve the issue, Banerjee sending gifts is being seen as an effort to smoothen out wrinkles in bilateral relationship, said sources.
In Dec, Banerjee sent her condolences following death of Rahman's mother and former Bangladesh PM Khaleda Zia. Banerjee is known for her close ties with former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina, who has often referred to Banerjee as her sister. Hasina and Banerjee often exchanged gifts — including Hilsa and sweets.