Dhaka is buzzing with anticipation as Bangladesh prepares for a landmark political event. On February 17, the swearing-in ceremony for the new government, led by Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairman Tarique Rahman, will take place at the South Plaza of the National Parliament Building at 4 PM. This gathering is set to draw around 1,200 dignitaries from across the globe, underscoring the international significance of the occasion.
Tarique Rahman’s resounding victory in the recent parliamentary elections has paved the way for this new administration. The BNP secured 209 seats out of 297 declared results from the February 12 polls, with leads in two more constituencies pending final outcomes due to court orders. Allies and independent candidates bolstered their tally further.
High-profile attendees include Bhutan’s Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, India’s Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, and Pakistan’s Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal. Nepal’s Foreign Minister Balanand Sharma, Sri Lanka’s Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa, and Britain’s Indo-Pacific Under-Secretary Seema Malhotra are also expected. Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu might join as well, though confirmations vary.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs confirmed Speaker Birla’s participation, highlighting it as a testament to the deep friendship between the two nations rooted in shared democratic values, history, and culture. ‘India welcomes the elected government under Tarique Rahman’s leadership, backed by overwhelming public support,’ the statement read.
Preparations are in full swing at the Parliament Secretariat, diverging from tradition by hosting the event outdoors. The elections saw voting on 299 of 300 seats, with BNP’s dominance and gains by Jamaat-e-Islami (68 seats) and its alliance partners marking a shift. If Tarique Rahman assumes the premiership, it would end a 35-year wait for a male prime minister in Bangladesh.
Yet, challenges loom large. Experts warn of rising unrest and Islamic extremism, issues that defined Muhammad Yunus’s 18-month interim tenure. As Bangladesh steps into this new era, the world watches how the government navigates these turbulent waters while fostering regional stability.