Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina extended her congratulations to Russian President Vladimir Putin for his reelection today (21 March), as confirmed by Deputy Press Secretary Hasan Jahid Tushar.
Putin secured his fifth term in office after a record post-Soviet landslide victory in Russia’s election on Sunday (17 March), solidifying his already firm grip on power. He emphasized the significance of the result, stating that it sends a message to the West about Russia’s assertiveness in global affairs, whether in war or in peace, for years to come.
The outcome positions Putin, aged 71, to embark on a new six-year term, surpassing Josef Stalin to become Russia’s longest-serving leader in over 200 years if he completes it.
With an 87.8% vote share, Putin achieved the highest-ever result in Russia’s post-Soviet history, according to an exit poll by pollster the Public Opinion Foundation (FOM). The Russian Public Opinion Research Centre (VCIOM) also put Putin’s support at 87%. Initial official results validated the accuracy of the polls.
However, several nations, including the United States, Germany, and the United Kingdom, criticized the election, citing concerns over political repression and censorship.
