Om Birla to Represent India at Bangladesh Government Swearing-In

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will represent India at Bangladesh PM-designate Tarique Rahman’s swearing-in, highlighting democratic ties, regional diplomacy, and renewed bilateral engagement following BNP’s landslide election victory.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, Birla will attend the ceremony in Dhaka on February 17, when the new government will take oath at the South Plaza of the National Parliament.

In a statement, the MEA said the Speaker’s participation “underscores the deep and enduring friendship between the peoples of India and Bangladesh,” and reaffirms India’s commitment to democratic values shared by both nations.

The ministry added that, as neighbours bound by history and culture, India welcomes Bangladesh’s transition to an elected government under Tarique Rahman, whose leadership has received a strong public mandate.

Which are the leaders invited to the ceremony?

The swearing-in ceremony has drawn wide international attention. The Chief Adviser of Bangladesh’s interim government, Muhammad Yunus, has invited leaders from 13 countries, including India, China, and Pakistan.

According to Prothom Alo, the invited nations include China, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, India, Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Malaysia, Brunei, Sri Lanka, Nepal, the Maldives, and Bhutan.

Diplomatic sources said the presence of multiple regional and global powers reflects Bangladesh’s renewed engagement with the international community following the elections.

What are the expectations of BNP leaders?

Ahead of the ceremony, Bangladesh Nationalist Party leader ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milan expressed hope that Narendra Modi would be invited to the event.

Emphasising the party’s foreign policy outlook, he said: "I don't know exactly what they're doing, but hopefully they'll invite everyone. I don't know exactly, but he (PM Modi) should be invited. It's general courtesy. The organisers will do it. I hope the whole world will be with us."

He reiterated the BNP’s guiding principle by adding: "Friends to all, malice to none."

BNP has repeatedly said it seeks balanced and cooperative relations with all major partners.

What was BNP’s exchange with PM Modi all about?

Following the BNP’s landslide victory, the party acknowledged Prime Minister Modi’s congratulatory message in a post on X.

"Thank you very much, Honourable @narendramodi. We greatly appreciate your kind acknowledgment of Tarique Rahman's leadership in securing the BNP's decisive win in the national elections. This outcome reflects the trust and confidence the people of Bangladesh have placed in our leadership and in the democratic process."

The party further said: "Bangladesh remains committed to upholding democratic values, inclusivity, and progressive development for all its citizens."

Highlighting future cooperation, the BNP added, "We look forward to engaging constructively with India to advance our multifaceted relationship, guided by mutual respect, sensitivity to each other's concerns, and a shared commitment to peace, stability, and prosperity in our region."

Earlier, Prime Minister Modi had congratulated Tarique Rahman on X, saying, "I convey my warm congratulations to Tarique Rahman on leading BNP to a decisive victory in the Parliamentary elections in Bangladesh. This victory shows the trust of the people of Bangladesh in your leadership."

He added, "India will continue to stand in support of a democratic, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh. I look forward to working with you to strengthen our multifaceted relations and advance our common development goals. @trahmanbnp @bdbnp78"

Why the Bangladesh polls were historic

The 2026 Bangladesh General election, held on February 12, marked the country’s first major vote since the 2024 mass protests that led to the ouster of former leader Sheikh Hasina.

The BNP secured a sweeping majority in the 300-seat parliament, winning well over the 151 seats required to form a government and positioning Tarique Rahman as prime minister-designate. The Jamaat-e-Islami alliance emerged as the main opposition.

Voter turnout stood at around 59 percent, while a constitutional referendum on governance reforms was also passed. The results triggered reactions across Bangladesh and abroad, with many observers expressing hope for democratic renewal and political stability.

With Om Birla attending the oath-taking ceremony, India has signalled its readiness to engage closely with the new leadership and strengthen bilateral relations in the coming years.

(With inputs from ANI)