Dhaka, July 23: Bangladesh Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia and acting president Jamiruddin Sircar today congratulated Dr A P J Abdul Kalam on being elected President of India.

Conveying her greetings to the president-elect, Begum Zia in her message said the Government of Bangladesh "was happy to see a person of his stature as President of India". She expressed the hope that the "bond of friendship existing between the two countries will further expand under the guidance of President Abdul Kalam."

In a separate message acting president barrister Sircar conveyed his wishes to Abdul Kalam for success in his "new assignment as the leader of one billion people of India". Sircar also expressed his "keen desire to work with the new Indian president to develop close cooperation between the two countries".

Bureau Report