Dhaka is buzzing with anticipation as the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) prepares to reclaim power after nearly two decades in the wilderness. On Tuesday, the newly elected BNP lawmakers will take their oaths, paving the way for a new prime minister and a fresh chapter in the nation’s politics.
The cabinet swearing-in ceremony is slated for the South Plaza of the Parliament Building, a departure from the traditional Presidential Palace venue. This symbolic choice honors those who lost their lives during the violent July 2024 protests, underscoring the BNP’s commitment to remembering the sacrifices that fueled their resurgence.
At 10:00 AM, Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin will administer oaths to all 297 newly elected parliamentarians in the Parliament’s oath room. Following this, they will join the Constitutional Reform Council, signaling immediate action on long-overdue governance changes.
BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman led the party to a resounding victory in the recent parliamentary elections, securing a clear mandate. Around 1,200 dignitaries from Bangladesh and abroad are expected at the 4:00 PM ceremony, including high-profile figures like Bhutan’s Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, India’s Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, and Pakistan’s Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal.
Other notable attendees may include Nepal’s Foreign Minister Balananda Sharma, Sri Lanka’s Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa, Britain’s Indo-Pacific Under Secretary Seema Malhotra, and Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu. Their presence highlights the regional and international significance of this political shift.
The 13th parliamentary elections on February 12 saw voting in 299 of 300 seats, with the Election Commission announcing results for 297 constituencies on February 13 night. BNP clinched 209 seats outright, with leads in two more held up by court orders in Chattogram-2 and Chattogram-4. Allies claimed three additional seats, ensuring a strong coalition.
This triumphant return marks a pivotal moment for Bangladesh, promising stability, reforms, and renewed leadership after years of turbulence.