Speaking at a reception for Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury and MP Saber Hossain Chowdhury on Wednesday at Parliament's South Plaza, he said the victories did not come easy.

Chaudhury was elected Chairperson of Commonwealth Parliamentary Association on Oct 9. A week later, Chowdhury was elected President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), an organisation of parliaments of 164 countries.

It is the first time that Bangladesh is holding the top posts in the two forums.

Chakrabarty congratulated the two on their achievement. "It is a victory for the [Indian] Sub-continent. I extend greetings on behalf of the Indian government," he said.

The reception programme, presided over by Deputy Speaker Fazle Rabbi Mia, was attended by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Deputy Leader of House Syeda Sajeda Chowdhury, Chief Whip ASM Feroz, Opposition Leader Raushon Ershad and British High Commissioner Robert Gibson, among others.

India stood beside Bangladesh during its latest achievements and would always stand by its neighbour in future, Chakrabarty said.

"Winning in the two forums was not easy. [They] had to struggle a lot," he said in Bangla.

"Many asked why Bangladesh would be given two nominations but we said Bangladesh would take part in the two [forum elections] and accept the results," the diplomat added.