Tarique Rahman set for swearing-in as Bangladesh PM on Tuesday, leaders of 13 countries invited | World News

According to Prothom Alo, the newly elected Bangladesh government, led by Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chairman Tarique Rahman, will be sworn in on Tuesday, and the interim government’s Chief Advisor, Professor Muhammad Yunus, invited leaders of 13 countries, including China, India and Pakistan, to the cabinet’s swearing-in ceremony.

According to diplomatic sources, the list of countries invited so far includes China, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, India, Pakistan, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Malaysia, Brunei, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Maldives and Bhutan, Prothom Alo reported.

The swearing-in ceremony of the new cabinet will be held next Tuesday afternoon at the South Plaza of the National Parliament.
Earlier, BNP leader ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milan on Saturday expressed hope that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be invited to the upcoming government swearing-in ceremony, while emphasizing that the party’s overarching foreign policy vision is “friend to all, evil to none”.
Addressing journalists in Dhaka, Milan said on the question of inviting South Asian leaders to the event: “I don’t know exactly what they are doing, but I hope they invite everyone. I don’t know exactly, but he (Prime Minister Modi) should be invited. It is common courtesy. The organizers will do it. I hope the whole world will be with us.”
Highlighting the party’s broad stance on international relations, he added, “Friends to all, malice to none.”
The BNP thanked Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his congratulatory message following the party’s landslide victory in the parliamentary elections in Bangladesh earlier this month.
In a post on X, BNP expressed satisfaction with PM Modi’s message and appreciation of his leadership. “Thank you very much Mr. @narendramodi. Thank you very much for recognizing the leadership of Tarique Rahman, who ensured the decisive victory of the BNP in the national elections. This result reflects the trust and confidence that the people of Bangladesh have in our leadership and the democratic process.”
The party also underlined its commitment to democratic governance and national development. “Bangladesh is committed to promoting democratic values, inclusivity and progressive development for all its citizens.”
Emphasizing the importance of bilateral relations, the BNP signaled its intention to work closely with New Delhi in the coming years. “We look forward to engaging constructively with India to advance our multifaceted relationship guided by mutual respect, sensitivity to each other’s concerns, and shared commitment to peace, stability and prosperity in our region.”
Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had conveyed warm wishes to Tarique Rahman following the BNP’s election victory, marking a significant political shift in Bangladesh’s leadership landscape.
In his message published on X, Modi congratulated Rahman for leading the party on a decisive mission.
“I extend my warm congratulations to Tarique Rahman for leading the BNP to a decisive victory in the Parliamentary elections in Bangladesh. This victory demonstrates the confidence of the people of Bangladesh in your leadership. India will continue to support a democratic, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh. I look forward to working with you to strengthen our multifaceted relations and advance our common development goals. @trahmanbnp @bdbnp78”
The 2026 Bangladesh general elections held on February 12, 2026 marked a major political change. This was the first election after the 2024 mass protests that ousted longtime leader Sheikh Hasina.
The BNP, led by Tarique Rahman, won an overwhelming majority in the 300-seat parliament, well above the 151 seats needed to form a government and positioned Rahman as the prime ministerial candidate. The Islamist Jamaat-e-Islami alliance emerged as the main opposition.
Voter turnout was around 59% and a constitutional referendum on governance reforms was passed. The results triggered outrage across Bangladesh’s political spectrum and internationally as hopes for democratic renewal remain.