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Modi Calls Bangladesh's Sheikh Hasina, Congratulates Her For Poll Win

Indian prime minister Narendra Modi on Monday (31) called his Bangladeshi counterpart Sheikh Hasina and congratulated her on her party's victory in the parliamentary elections.

Modi also expressed confidence of partnership between the two countries flourishing under Hasina's "far-sighted" leadership.


Hasina thanked Modi for being the first leader to congratulate her.

"The PM also reiterated the priority India attaches to Bangladesh as a neighbour, a close partner for regional development, security and cooperation, and a central pillar in India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy," the ministry of external affairs said in a statement.

"PM Sheikh Hasina thanked prime minister for being the first leader to call her to convey congratulations. She also thanked India for their consistent and generous support which has benefited Bangladesh's development, and appreciated PM's reiteration of this commitment," the statement said.

Hasina’s ruling Bangladesh Awami League party and its allies won 288 of the 299 parliamentary seats contested, surpassing its previous election win when it had won 234 seats.

However, the opposition parties have rejected the results and claimed that the polls were rigged.

“We call upon the Election Commission to declare this farcical election void and demand a fresh election under a neutral government,” Kamal Hossain, president of the Gano Forum opposition party, was quoted as saying by the media.

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Priyanka Patel’s Empowered Desi brings inclusive Diwali celebration to Coventry

Diwali-themed event in Coventry marks the next partnership between The Empowered Desi and local business Sugar and Spice

Tristan Potter

Priyanka Patel’s Empowered Desi brings inclusive Diwali celebration to Coventry

Highlights

  • Diwali celebration tomorrow kicks off business with ticketed workshops and networking.
  • Model taps into growing demand for inclusive, heritage-focused experiences.
  • Platform targets not just south Asians seeking cultural connection, but everyone.

Creating cultural belonging

Priyanka Patel, curator of The Empowered Desi, a new events platform for south Asians seeking cultural connection, is here with a Diwali celebration on Saturday (18) at Fargo Village in Coventry. The venture was born from personal experience – Patel felt "isolated and neglected" growing up without many south Asian friends. Spotting a gap in the market, she's now building a business around creating inclusive spaces for south Asians regardless of religious or regional background.

Diwali-themed , Paint N Sip event in Coventry marks the venture's next partnership with local business Sugar and Spice, Patel is offering a ticketed experience featuring diya decorating workshops, Indian grazing boards with chai, and jewellery stations where guests can take home jhumkas and bangles. The Diwali format combines cultural celebration with networking opportunities, with south Asian attire preferred.

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