Jaishankar Congratulates Khalilur Rahman on Appointment as Bangladesh Foreign Minister

New Delhi, Feb 2026 : India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Wednesday extended his congratulations to Khalilur Rahman following his appointment as the new Foreign Minister of Bangladesh under the newly formed government led by Tarique Rahman. The message underscored New Delhi’s intent to continue strengthening bilateral engagement with Dhaka at a time of political transition in the neighbouring country.

Khalilur Rahman was sworn in on Tuesday at the South Plaza of the Parliament complex in Dhaka, alongside 49 other members of the Cabinet in the Bangladesh Nationalist Party–led government. His induction into the Cabinet marks a significant development in Bangladesh’s political landscape, given his prominent role in the interim administration and the controversy that has surrounded his public profile over the past year.

In a post on social media platform X, Jaishankar conveyed optimism about the future of India–Bangladesh relations. “Congratulations to Dr Khalilur Rahman on being sworn in as the Foreign Minister of Bangladesh. Look forward to working together to advance our cooperation for mutual progress and prosperity,” he wrote. The statement reflected India’s emphasis on continuity, cooperation, and stability in ties with Bangladesh, a key neighbour and strategic partner in South Asia.

Before assuming his new role, Khalilur Rahman served as the National Security Advisor under the interim government headed by Muhammad Yunus. His appointment as Foreign Minister has attracted particular attention because the BNP had earlier demanded his resignation in May 2025, sharply criticising his conduct and policy positions during his tenure in the interim administration.

The controversy dates back to an event held at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka in May last year, where Khalilur Rahman was questioned about his reported residency in the United States. In response, he cited the example of Tarique Rahman, who at that time was living in self-imposed exile in the United Kingdom, and remarked that similar allegations could be levelled against the BNP leader using the same logic. The comments triggered strong reactions from the BNP, which accused him of making politically motivated statements and undermining the party’s leadership.

Despite this backdrop, Khalilur Rahman’s elevation to the Cabinet signals a shift in political equations, as well as the BNP’s willingness to accommodate a figure it had earlier opposed. However, the move has not been without criticism. Nahid Islam, chief of the National Citizen Party (NCP) and a sitting Member of Parliament, raised questions over Rahman’s inclusion in the new government.

According to a report in leading Bangladeshi daily The Daily Star, Islam said the appointment had brought allegations of “election engineering, result manipulation, and complications surrounding constitutional reform” into the public domain. He argued that if Khalilur Rahman joined the BNP government as a minister, it would raise concerns about whether he had acted on behalf of the party during the interim government’s tenure.

As Bangladesh’s new Cabinet settles into office, Khalilur Rahman’s role as Foreign Minister will be closely watched both domestically and internationally. For India, his appointment opens a new chapter in diplomatic engagement with Dhaka, with New Delhi expressing readiness to work with the new leadership to advance shared interests, regional stability, and economic cooperation.