Bangladesh is reportedly preparing to invite Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several other regional leaders to attend the swearing-in ceremony of the country’s next prime minister, Tarique Rahman, scheduled for February 17, sources familiar with the matter told PTI on Saturday.
It is learned that Dhaka has already communicated its plan to New Delhi, PTI reported citing sources.
Tarique Rahman’s party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, said leaders from several countries in the region would be invited to the ceremony.
However, there is no official confirmation regarding the invitations yet, PTI reported.
Will PM Modi attend Tarique Rahman’s swearing-in?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is unlikely to visit Dhaka as he is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with French President Emmanuel Macron in Mumbai on February 17.
New Delhi may send a senior government official to attend Rahman’s swearing-in, it is learnt, as reported by PTI.
In a telephone conversation with Rahman on Friday, Modi congratulated the BNP leader on his party’s remarkable victory in the Bangladesh parliamentary elections.
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“I have expressed my best wishes and support in his endeavor to fulfill the aspirations of the people of Bangladesh,” Modi said after the phone call.
“As two close neighbors with deep-rooted historical and cultural ties, I reaffirmed India’s continued commitment to the peace, progress and prosperity of both our nations,” he said.
Bangladesh election
The 13th parliamentary election assumed significance as it was held after a long period of political uncertainty, instability and fragile security conditions, including widespread attacks on minorities following student-led protests that ended Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year rule in August 2024.
Hasina fled to India on 5 August 2024. Three days later, Muhammad Yunus took over as chief adviser to the interim government, during which Dhaka’s ties with Delhi deteriorated significantly.
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Besides responding to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s message on X, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party on Saturday posted several messages on the platform thanking leaders and heads of government from South Asian countries, including Pakistan, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Bhutan and China.
Tarique Rahman, the son of former prime minister Khaleda Zia, who died in December, also called for unity and vowed not to act in a way that undermines the country.
“To ensure that no evil force can restore autocracy in the country and to ensure that the nation does not turn into a vassal state, we must remain united and support the will of the people,” he said, according to the AP.
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The Bangladesh Nationalist Party is one of the long-established political forces in the country, along with Sheikh Hasina’s now-banned Awami League. Hasina has faced mounting accusations of authoritarianism during her 15-year tenure in office. In recent years, the BNP has refused to participate in elections held under its leadership.
To ensure that no evil force can restore autocracy in the country, we must remain united and uphold the will of the people.
Since her ouster, Hasina has lived in exile in India and has been convicted of crimes against humanity related to hundreds of deaths during the weeks-long insurgency.
(With input from agencies)
Key things
- The upcoming swearing in of Tarique Rahman marks a significant shift in the political dynamics of Bangladesh.
- Modi’s congratulatory call reflects India’s interest in maintaining strong ties with Bangladesh.
- The political climate in Bangladesh remains uncertain after years of turmoil and authoritarian allegations against the previous government.