New Delhi, Feb 15: Bangladesh is preparing for a major political transition as BNP chief Tariq Rahman is set to take oath as the country’s Prime Minister on February 17. Preparations for the swearing-in ceremony are reportedly in full swing, with several international dignitaries expected to attend.
Reports suggest that leaders from 13 countries have been invited to the ceremony, including India, Pakistan, China, the UAE, and several other nations from South and West Asia. The broad diplomatic outreach is being seen as a move to reset Bangladesh’s foreign policy and strengthen regional ties.
However, uncertainty remains over whether Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the ceremony in person. According to reports, Modi is likely to skip the event due to a pre-scheduled bilateral meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron on the same day. In his absence, India may send a senior minister or high-ranking official to represent the country in Dhaka.
Following the BNP’s victory in the general elections, PM Modi had congratulated Tariq Rahman through a social media message and expressed hope for stronger bilateral relations between the two nations. He is also believed to have spoken with Rahman over the phone after the election results.
Meanwhile, the interim government’s chief adviser, Muhammad Yunus, has reportedly extended invitations to 13 countries for the oath ceremony. The initiative is being viewed as an attempt to reshape Bangladesh’s diplomatic priorities and foster better engagement with neighboring and regional partners.
Countries invited include India, China, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Turkey, the UAE, Qatar, Malaysia, Brunei, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Bhutan. Observers believe the presence of leaders from both South and West Asia could make the event diplomatically significant.
