Global Dignitaries to Attend Swearing-In of Tarique Rahman–Led Government in Bangladesh

Dhaka, Feb 2026 : Bangladesh is set to witness a landmark political event on Tuesday as around 1,200 dignitaries from home and abroad are expected to attend the swearing-in ceremony of the newly elected government. The oath-taking will be held at 4:00 p.m. at the South Plaza of the National Parliament Building, marking the formal assumption of office by the new administration following a decisive electoral mandate.

The newly formed government will be led by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), which secured a sweeping victory in the 13th parliamentary elections. The party is headed by its chairman, Tarique Rahman, whose leadership has been endorsed by an overwhelming majority of voters, paving the way for a significant political transition in the country.

The ceremony is expected to draw an impressive list of international guests, reflecting Bangladesh’s strategic importance in South Asia and beyond. Among the prominent leaders scheduled to attend are Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, Indian Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, and Pakistan’s Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal. Their presence underscores the regional interest in Bangladesh’s political stability and future direction.

Nepal will be represented by its Foreign Minister Bala Nanda Sharma, while Sri Lanka’s Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa is also expected to participate. From Europe, the United Kingdom’s Indo-Pacific Under-Secretary Seema Malhotra is likely to attend. There is also speculation that Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu may be present, though confirmation is awaited.

Invitations to the ceremony were issued in accordance with established diplomatic norms, and while several countries have confirmed their participation, responses from a few invited nations are still pending. The strong international turnout highlights the global attention on Bangladesh as it transitions from an interim arrangement to a democratically elected government.

On Sunday, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) officially confirmed that Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla would represent India at the ceremony. In a statement, the MEA noted that his participation “underscores the deep and enduring friendship between the peoples of India and Bangladesh,” while reaffirming India’s commitment to democratic values and regional cooperation.

The MEA further stated that as neighbouring countries bound by shared history, culture, and mutual respect, India welcomes Bangladesh’s transition to an elected government under the leadership of Tarique Rahman, whose vision has received a clear mandate from the people. The message signalled New Delhi’s intent to maintain continuity and stability in bilateral ties.

The oath-taking ceremony comes after the successful completion of the 13th parliamentary election, which was held on February 12. The Election Commission of Bangladesh published the official gazette notification of the victorious candidates on Friday night, clearing the final procedural hurdle for government formation.

Preparations are currently underway at the Jatiya Sangsad secretariat. Traditionally, such ceremonies are held in the designated oath room of the parliament complex, but given the scale of attendance, the South Plaza has been chosen to accommodate the large gathering.

Polling took place in 299 of the 300 constituencies, with unofficial results announced for 297 seats. Gazette notifications for Chattogram-2 and Chattogram-4 are yet to be issued following a directive from the High Court. According to available results, the BNP won 209 of the 297 declared seats and is leading in the two remaining constituencies. Its allies have secured three seats.

Meanwhile, Jamaat-e-Islami emerged as a significant force with 68 seats, while partners in its 11-party alliance won nine. Islami Andolan Bangladesh claimed one seat, and independents prevailed in seven constituencies, according to a report by Prothom Alo.

With Tarique Rahman set to take charge—making him the first male prime minister in nearly 35 years—analysts caution that the new government faces formidable challenges. These include restoring stability, addressing economic pressures, and countering rising Islamist extremism that marked the 18-month tenure of the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus. How the new administration navigates these issues will shape Bangladesh’s political and social trajectory in the years ahead.

(The content of this article is sourced from a news agency and has not been edited by the Mavericknews30 team.)