Kolkata, Jan 1 : Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee has congratulated Sheikh Hasina and her Awami League-led alliance on its victory in the elections.

Addressing media persons here last evening, Banerjee termed Hasina''s landslide victory in Bangladesh as a welcome change for democratic politics, and hoped that such trends would also be witnessed in West Bengal.

"As for West Bengal, we want a change for development, change for the people and West Bengal. It should be better for the country," said Banerjee.

Hasina, who is close to New Delhi, was in power from 1996-2001. During that period Bangladesh''s bilateral ties with India were said to be at its best.

Bangladesh has been ruled by a military-backed government since January last year when months of political turmoil prompted the army to cancel polls and impose a state of emergency.

Bangladesh attempted to hold elections twice in 2006, but months of strikes and street violence forced the caretaker government to step in. (ANI)