The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) may invite Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with other regional leaders to swear in its leader Tarique Rahman after the party’s landslide victory in Bangladesh’s national elections, news reports said on Saturday. Rahman is likely to be sworn in as Bangladesh’s prime minister next week.
Humayun Kabir, foreign policy adviser to BNP chairman Tarique Rahman, told WION that PM Modi could be invited to take the oath, signaling a potential thaw in strained bilateral relations between the two neighboring countries.
Read also | Hasina calls the Bangladesh polls a “shameful chapter” and calls for Yunus’s resignation
“The region is important to us. An important part of Tarique Rahman’s foreign policy. To make this region an influential region. A sense of priority in sending out invitations to the inauguration. The time frame is short, the gesture is there,” Kabir said.
There has been no official confirmation of Modi’s participation in the swearing-in yet from the Indian government or the caretaker government of Bangladesh.
Kabir described the invitation as a goodwill gesture aimed at promoting better relations. “You invite people to participate, you have an expectation that you will participate. A gesture of goodwill . . .”
When is the oath?
If the invitation is formally sent and accepted, Modi’s presence at the ceremony would mark an important moment in India-Bangladesh relations under the new political leadership in Dhaka.
New Delhi has already indicated its desire to engage with the new leadership. Prime Minister Narendra Modi he formally congratulated Rahman on his “decisive” victory in a post at X and indicated a desire to “strengthen our multilateral relations and advance our common development goals”. Modi also spoke to Rahman on phone later.
So far, the date of the swearing-in ceremony has not been officially announced, nor has any foreign leaders confirmed their participation. Some reports suggested that the BNP may invite leaders from all neighboring countries, including Pakistan.
However, Chief Adviser’s press secretary Shafiqul Alam said the swearing-in ceremony of the new government will be held very soon, and certainly on Monday or Tuesday at the latest, according to a report in the Dhaka Tribune. Alam said the decision on who would administer the oath was yet to be finalised, adding that details would be announced at an appropriate time.
Read also | BNP seeks Sheikh Hasina’s extradition after massive win in Bangladesh
Alam said this while addressing journalists at a briefing held at the Foreign Service Academy in the capital on Saturday. He also said that preparations for the swearing-in ceremony were complete and that the transition process, including the transfer of responsibilities from the Chief Counsel and the Cabinet, was proceeding apace.
Reset India-Bangladesh ties?
During the fifteen years of Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League rule in Bangladesh, New Delhi enjoyed friendly relations with Dhaka.
However, ties between New Delhi and Dhaka began to deteriorate soon after the ouster of the Hasina-led group. Awami League regime on 5 August 2024 and subsequent violence against minorities, especially the Hindu community.
Kabir told PTI that Tarique Rahman wants to restore ties with India.
“It is not for the party, it is for the governments of both the countries, for the government of India and for the newly elected government of Bangladesh… to change the mindset. But the onus is on India,” he said.
If India can adopt a mindset that realizes this Sheikh Hasina and Awami League they don’t exist in today’s Bangladesh, Kabir said.
“And the unequivocal victory of the mandate given to the BNP by the people of Bangladesh clearly points in that direction. And if they realize it and welcome it and stop a terrorist like Sheikh Hasina who killed 1.5 thousand people or more and fled to India. and of course positive cooperation can be developed and looked at and that is normal in diplomacy, it should be,” he said.
PM Modi’s call with Tarique Rahman was very cordial, very good, Kabir said.
Read also | Explained: Why Tariq Rahman-led BNP government suits India’s interests
Earlier on Saturday, the BNP acknowledged Prime Minister Modi’s congratulations after the party’s sweeping victory in Bangladesh’s parliamentary elections earlier this month.
BNP thanks PM Modi
In a post on X, the BNP expressed appreciation for Modi’s message and his leadership. “Thank you very much Hon’ble @narendramodi. We greatly appreciate your kind recognition of Mr. Tarique Rahman’s leadership in ensuring A decisive victory for the BNP in national elections. This result reflects the trust and confidence that the people of Bangladesh have placed in our leadership and in the democratic process.”
The party further emphasized its commitment to democratic governance and national development. “Bangladesh remains committed to promoting democratic values, inclusiveness and progressive development for all its citizens.”
The BNP has indicated its intention to work closely with New Delhi in the coming years. “We look forward to working constructively with India to strengthen our multilateral relationship, guided by mutual respect, sensitivity to each other’s concerns and a shared commitment to peace, stability and prosperity in our region.”
Read also | PM Modi dials Tarique Rahman after BNP wins Bangladesh polls; reaffirms support
On Friday, PM Modi expressed his warm wishes to Tarique Rahman after BNP’s electoral triumph, which marked a major political shift in Bangladesh’s leadership. In his message posted on X, Modi congratulated Rahman for steering the party to a decisive mandate.
“I extend my warmest congratulations to Mr. Tarique Rahman for leading the BNP to a decisive victory in the Bangladesh parliamentary elections. This victory shows the confidence of the Bangladeshi people in your leadership. India will continue to support a democratic, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh. I look forward to working with you in strengthening our multilateral relations and advancing our common development goals @ @ @ @ bndbp8” @ @ @ @
The 2026 Bangladesh General Electionwhich took place on February 12, 2026, marked a major political shift. It was the first election since mass protests in 2024 toppled longtime leader Sheikh Hasina.
Thank you very much Hon’ble @narendramodi. We greatly appreciate your kind recognition of Mr. Tarique Rahman’s leadership in securing a decisive victory for the BNP in the national elections.
The BNP, led by Tariq Rahman, won an overwhelming majority in the 300-seat parliament, securing more than 151 seats needed to form a government and positioning Rahman as prime ministerial candidate. The Islamist alliance Jamaat-e-Islami emerged as the main opposition.