Bangladesh Awaits: Inviting PM Modi to Celebrate Tarique Rahman’s Historic Swearing-In Ceremony!
Bangladesh is gearing up to invite Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other regional leaders to the swearing-in ceremony of the country’s next prime minister, Tarique Rahman, set for February 17. Sources familiar with the situation informed PTI that Dhaka has already briefed New Delhi about its plans. Rahman’s party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), aims to bring together several regional leaders for this significant event. However, official confirmation regarding the invitations has yet to be released.
PM Modi’s attendance seems unlikely, as he is scheduled for bilateral talks with French President Emmanuel Macron in Mumbai on the same day. Instead, it’s anticipated that New Delhi may send a senior government official to represent India at the ceremony. Modi recently congratulated Rahman on his party’s victory in the parliamentary elections during a phone call, expressing his best wishes and support for the new leader. He emphasized the historical and cultural ties between India and Bangladesh, reaffirming India’s dedication to the peace and prosperity of both nations.
The 13th parliamentary election in Bangladesh, significant for being held after a lengthy period of political instability, saw the BNP reclaim power after the 15-year tenure of Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India in August 2024. In the wake of her departure, Muhammad Yunus took over as Chief Adviser of the interim government, during which relations between Dhaka and New Delhi soured. The political landscape remains contentious, marked by allegations of authoritarianism against Hasina’s administration and ongoing security concerns.
In response to Modi’s message on X, the BNP expressed gratitude to various South Asian leaders, including those from Pakistan, the Maldives, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and China. Rahman, the son of the late former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, called for national unity, vowing to prevent any resurgence of autocracy in Bangladesh. “We must remain united and uphold the will of the people,” he stated, reinforcing his commitment to serve the nation’s interests.
The BNP has been one of Bangladesh’s longstanding political forces, often in opposition to the now-banned Awami League. Under Hasina’s leadership, the BNP faced significant challenges, including a decline in its electoral participation amid allegations of political repression. Since her ouster, Hasina has been in exile and has faced serious charges related to her administration’s actions.
Tarique Rahman’s upcoming swearing-in marks a pivotal shift in Bangladesh’s political dynamics. Modi’s congratulatory call showcases India’s interest in fostering a robust relationship with the new leadership. As Bangladesh navigates an uncertain political climate marked by years of conflict and allegations against the previous government, the world watches closely, anticipating how this leadership change will impact both domestic affairs and regional relationships.
This developing situation highlights the complexities of Bangladeshi politics and its implications for international relations, especially regarding India’s strategic interests in the region.
Original Source: https://www.livemint.com/news/world/bangladesh-to-invite-pm-modi-for-tarique-rahmans-swearing-in-ceremony-bangladesh-nationalist-party-sheikh-hasina-11771093198170.html
Category :
Tags:
Publish Date: 2026-02-15 00:12:00
