Bangladesh has extended a formal invitation to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several other regional leaders to attend the swearing-in ceremony of the country's next prime minister, Tarique Rahman, scheduled for February 17 in Dhaka. However, PM Modi is unlikely to make the trip due to prior commitments for bilateral talks with French President Emmanuel Macron, though an official confirmation on his attendance remains pending.
Tarique Rahman, chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led his party to a majority victory in the recently concluded national elections. The BNP has indicated that leaders from various regional countries will be invited to the ceremony, signaling an intent to bolster diplomatic ties. Sources suggest that New Delhi may instead dispatch a senior government functionary to represent India at the event.
In a phone conversation on Friday, PM Modi congratulated Rahman on the BNP's remarkable electoral success. "I conveyed my best wishes and support in his endeavour to fulfil the aspirations of the people of Bangladesh," Modi stated following the call. He further emphasized, "As two close neighbours with deep-rooted historical and cultural ties, I reaffirmed India's continued commitment to the peace, progress, and prosperity of both our peoples."
Earlier that same day, PM Modi had publicly acknowledged the BNP's win via a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. The BNP responded promptly, expressing gratitude to India and PM Modi for recognizing the election verdict and voicing hopes that bilateral relations would strengthen under the new government.
The swearing-in ceremony marks a departure from tradition, as Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin will administer the oath of office to Rahman and his new cabinet at the National Parliament complex's South Plaza, rather than at the presidential palace. "We have been informed that the President will administer the oath of office (to the new cabinet) on Tuesday at the Jatiya Sangsad (parliament) complex," a Bangabhaban official said on Saturday, speaking on the condition of anonymity.
