Why West Bengal polls matter for Bangladesh

The West Bengal Legislative Assembly election has concluded. After months of electoral contest between the state’s Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, attention now turns to the results.

Although India’s state elections are entirely an internal matter, they carry notable significance for neighbouring Bangladesh. Dhaka will always keep a close watch on which party’s flag flies in Kolkata.

Compared to other Indian states bordering Bangladesh, the West Bengal election holds far greater importance for Bangladesh. But why? Explained in today’s Star Explains.