Bangladesh Swearing-In: India Among 13 Nations Invited to Tarique Rahman’s Oath Ceremony

Bangladesh’s newly elected government, led by Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chairperson Tarique Rahman, is set to take oath next week, with leaders from 13 countries, including India, China and Pakistan, invited to attend the swearing-in ceremony.

According to diplomatic sources cited by Prothom Alo, the list of invited countries also includes Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Malaysia, Brunei, Sri Lanka, Nepal, the Maldives and Bhutan. The ceremony will be held at the South Plaza of the National Parliament in Dhaka.

Tarique Rahman is scheduled to take the oath as Prime Minister alongside his cabinet on Monday. South Asian leaders have been invited, though their attendance will depend on availability due to weekend holidays in several countries, sources told ANI.

“As the new Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Tariq Rahman, chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), will take the oath on Monday alongside his cabinet. South Asian leaders have been invited to the ceremony,” a reliable source was quoted as saying by ANI.

Why will Tarique Rahman’s oath ceremony not be held in Durbar Hall of Bangabhaban?

Traditionally, oath-taking ceremonies are held at the Durbar Hall of Bangabhaban, the Presidential Palace. However, due to the large number of invited guests, this time the venue has been shifted to the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhavan.

A senior government official said, “Invitations have been sent to the Prime Ministers of the South Asian countries, but they will confirm by Sunday who will actually attend… However, each country will send a representative at some level.”

Earlier, BNP leader ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milan expressed hope that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi would be invited, stressing the party’s inclusive foreign policy approach. Addressing reporters, he said, “I don't know exactly what they're doing, but hopefully they'll invite everyone… It’s general courtesy.”

Highlighting the party’s diplomatic vision, Milan added, “Friends to all, malice to none.”

What was BNP’s reaction to Prime Minister Modi’s congratulatory message for Tarique  Rahman?

Following the BNP’s sweeping electoral victory, the party acknowledged Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s congratulatory message. In a post on X, it said, “Thank you very much, Honourable @narendramodi… This outcome reflects the trust and confidence the people of Bangladesh have placed in our leadership.”

The BNP also reiterated its commitment to democratic governance, stating, “Bangladesh remains committed to upholding democratic values, inclusivity, and progressive development for all its citizens.”

Emphasising future cooperation with India, the party said, “We look forward to engaging constructively with India to advance our multifaceted relationship, guided by mutual respect… and a shared commitment to peace, stability, and prosperity.”

Prime Minister Modi, in his congratulatory message on X, wrote, “I convey my warm congratulations to Tarique Rahman on leading BNP to a decisive victory… India will continue to stand in support of a democratic, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh.”

Why were the Bangladesh polls historic?

The February 12, 2026 general election marked a major political shift in Bangladesh. It was the first election since the 2024 mass protests that led to the ouster of long-time leader Sheikh Hasina. The BNP secured a landslide majority in the 300-seat parliament, crossing the 151-seat mark needed to form a government.

The Islamist Jamaat-e-Islami alliance emerged as the main opposition, while voter turnout stood at around 59 percent. A constitutional referendum on governance reforms also passed, raising hopes for democratic renewal.

Meanwhile, party sources said that Rahman has begun forming his cabinet, which is expected to be small initially and may expand later. The first batch of ministers taking oath on Monday is likely to be limited in number.

(With inputs from ANI)