Turkish leader congratulates Bangladesh PM's victory

Turkey's president on Sunday sent congratulations to Bangladesh's prime minister on winning a third term in office, state news agency Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha reported.

In his message to Sheikh Hasina, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan reportedly said: "On the occasion of your reelection as the prime minister of the People's Republic of Bangladesh, I extend cordial congratulations to you."

Erdogan added that he hopes the friendly relations between Turkey and Bangladesh will grow stronger in the days to come, and wished Hasina good health and everlasting prosperity for Bangladesh.

Bangladesh's Dec. 30 polls were marred by allegations of violence and vote rigging, according to some human rights groups, but the ruling Awami League (AL) party and the country's top election body rejected the claims, calling the polls free and one of fairest elections in Bangladeshi history.