President Hamid, PM Hasina congratulate new Indian President Kovind

President Md Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina have congratulated Ram Nath Kovind on his being elected the 14th President of India.

The President's Press Secretary Joynal Abedin said Hamid expressed hope in a congratulatory message on Thursday that India will develop and progress more under Kovind's leadership.

He also hoped that Bangladesh-India relations will be strengthened with Kovind at helm. 

He wished Kovind's overall success, long life and good health, Abedin said. 

In a separate message, Prime Minister Hasina hoped the two countries will work 'closely' to bolster ties.   

“We continue to look forward to working closely with the government of India in elevating our multifarious relations further in order to achieve common prosperity for our peoples,” she said in the message.

The prime minister also said Dhaka and New Delhi have taken their bilateral relations to a 'new height' drawing strength from cultural and historical relations.

She extended her 'heartiest' congratulations to Kovind and invited him to visit Bangladesh.

Kovind, a low-caste politician backed by the ruling BJP-led coalition, won India's presidential election earlier in the day.

India's constitution provides a largely ceremonial role for the president, with the prime minister and his cabinet colleagues holding executive power.