Bangladesh Invites PM Modi for Tarique Rahman's Swearing-in Ceremony on February 17

Tarique Rahman Set to Become Bangladesh's New Prime Minister

Tarique Rahman, chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), is slated to be sworn in as the new Prime Minister of Bangladesh on February 17, 2026. This follows the BNP's decisive victory in the recently concluded general elections, where the party secured 209 of 297 seats. The swearing-in ceremony for Rahman and his cabinet is scheduled to take place at 4:00 PM at the South Plaza of the Parliament Complex (Jatiya Sangsad).

Invitation Extended to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Bangladesh has formally invited Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the significant event. However, reports indicate that Prime Minister Modi is unlikely to be present due to a pre-scheduled engagement. He is expected to host French President Emmanuel Macron in Mumbai on the same day. In Modi's stead, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla is anticipated to represent India at the ceremony.

Regional Leaders Invited Amidst Political Transition

Beyond India, Bangladesh has also extended invitations to several other regional leaders, including Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, to witness the transfer of power. This event marks a significant political transition for Bangladesh. Tarique Rahman's return to the country in late 2025, after years in exile, followed the resignation of the Awami League government led by Sheikh Hasina in August 2024. An interim government, headed by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, had been in place during this period.

'Bangladesh First' Policy to Guide New Administration

Upon his electoral victory, Prime Minister-designate Tarique Rahman has articulated a foreign policy centered on a 'Bangladesh First' approach. He emphasized that his administration's foreign relations would prioritize the national interest and the welfare of the Bangladeshi people, aiming for balanced ties with neighboring countries such as India, Pakistan, and China.