Tarique Rahman Sworn In as Bangladesh PM, Invited to India by PM Modi

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader Tarique Rahman was sworn in as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh on Tuesday, marking a significant political transition in Dhaka following parliamentary elections that ended a prolonged phase of uncertainty.

India was represented at the ceremony by Om Birla, Speaker of the Lok Sabha, who met Rahman after the swearing-in. Birla handed over a personal letter from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, inviting the new Bangladeshi leader and his family to visit India at a mutually convenient time.

Birla said he conveyed “warm congratulations on behalf of the people of India” and reaffirmed New Delhi’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties.

Modi’s Message: Shared History, Shared Growth

In his letter, Modi congratulated Rahman on the Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s electoral victory, describing it as a reflection of the trust reposed by the people of Bangladesh in his leadership.

He emphasised the deep-rooted friendship between India and Bangladesh, anchored in shared history, culture and aspirations for peace and prosperity. Modi expressed readiness to work closely with the new government across sectors including:

• Connectivity
• Trade and technology
• Education
• Energy cooperation
• Healthcare
• People-to-people exchanges

He noted that both nations could act as “catalysts for each other’s sustainable growth.”

Strategic Signalling from New Delhi

Diplomatic sources indicated that India’s decision to send the Lok Sabha Speaker — rather than a routine diplomatic representative — was intended as an early political outreach to the incoming administration and a signal of continuity in engagement despite the political shift in Dhaka.

Rahman’s return to executive office marks the BNP’s comeback after years in opposition, potentially reshaping Bangladesh’s domestic political alignment as well as its foreign policy approach.

New Cabinet, Opposition Line-Up

Rahman’s Cabinet will comprise 25 ministers and 24 state ministers, all of whom took oath alongside the Prime Minister.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman was named Leader of the Opposition, with Nayeb-e-Ameer Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher appointed Deputy Leader of the Opposition.

What Lies Ahead

The new government in Dhaka is expected to prioritise:

• Economic stabilisation
• Institutional restoration
• Recalibration of foreign relations

India is likely to be among the first major bilateral partners engaged by the Rahman administration, as both sides look to maintain strategic and economic cooperation amid shifting political dynamics in the region.

Read Also : Jai Ram Thakur Blames Himachal Pradesh Govt for Fiscal Crisis Amid RDG Dispute