PM Modi to Skip Tarique Rahman Swearing-in; Om Birla to Represent India

Prime Minister Narendra Modi won't be traveling to Dhaka for the swearing-in ceremony of Tarique Rahman, the Chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), scheduled for February 17. According to official sources, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will represent India at the event instead. This diplomatic move comes following the historic victory of the BNP in the recently concluded parliamentary elections in Bangladesh, marking a significant shift in the country's political landscape after the fall of the Awami League government.

Indian Delegation and Diplomatic Representation

The Indian delegation to Dhaka will be led by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, who will be accompanied by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, while the delegation is expected to arrive in the Bangladeshi capital on February 17 to attend the high-profile ceremony. The decision to send the Speaker of the lower house of Parliament signifies India's continued engagement with its neighbor at a high constitutional level. Officials indicate that the visit aims to maintain the continuity of bilateral relations and extend formal greetings to the new administration in Bangladesh.

Details of the Swearing-in Ceremony at South Plaza

The inauguration of Tarique Rahman as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh is set to take place at the South Plaza of the Bangladesh National Parliament House. The venue is being prepared for a grand event that will see the participation of several international dignitaries. Diplomatic sources reveal that Bangladesh has extended invitations to 13 countries for the ceremony. The list of invitees includes India, China, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Malaysia, Brunei, Sri Lanka, Nepal, the Maldives, and Bhutan, while the presence of these nations is viewed as a crucial step for the new government's international standing.

BNP's Landslide Victory and Election Results

The parliamentary elections held on February 12, following the collapse of the Sheikh Hasina-led government, resulted in a decisive mandate for the BNP. According to the final tally, the BNP-led alliance secured 212 out of 299 seats in the Parliament, achieving a solid two-thirds majority. The Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) alliance emerged as the second-largest bloc with 77 seats. This electoral outcome follows a period of significant political transition in the country. Tarique Rahman, the son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, assumed the presidency of the BNP on January 9 following his mother's passing, leading the party to this comprehensive victory.

Tarique Rahman's Leadership and India's Congratulatory Message

Tarique Rahman's ascent to the leadership of the BNP and his subsequent electoral success have been met with formal recognition from regional leaders. Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had extended his heartfelt congratulations to Rahman via the social media platform ‘X’. In his message, PM Modi stated that the victory reflects the trust of the Bangladeshi people in Rahman's leadership. He further emphasized that India stands in support of a democratic, progressive, and inclusive Bangladesh. The Prime Minister expressed his readiness to work with the new government to strengthen multifaceted ties and advance shared developmental goals.

Future of Indo-Bangladesh Bilateral Relations

The transition of power in Dhaka marks a new chapter in Indo-Bangladesh relations. As the two nations share extensive borders and deep-rooted economic interests, the focus remains on maintaining regional stability and cooperation. The participation of Speaker Om Birla and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri underscores India's commitment to a stable and democratic neighborhood. Discussions in the near future are expected to revolve around trade, border management, and infrastructure projects, while both nations have expressed a desire to continue working on mutual security concerns and enhancing connectivity across the Bay of Bengal region.