Tarique Rahman set to take oath as Bangladesh PM; Om Birla to represent India

Bangladesh is preparing for a major political transition as Tarique Rahman is set to be sworn in as Prime Minister on Tuesday, marking his first time in the country’s top executive role.

The oath-taking ceremony will be held at the South Plaza of the Parliament Complex in Dhaka, breaking from tradition, where such events are usually hosted at the presidential palace, Bangabhaban.

Rahman’s elevation comes after a decisive electoral victory for his party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), which secured 209 out of 297 parliamentary seats in the country’s 13th general election. Its ally, Jamaat-e-Islami, won an additional 68 seats, strengthening the coalition’s position. Notably, former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League was barred from contesting the election.

The swearing-in process will unfold in stages. All newly elected members of parliament will first take oath earlier in the day, followed by the selection of the parliamentary party leader. As the head of the majority party, Rahman will then formally take charge as Prime Minister, replacing interim government chief Muhammad Yunus, who assumed office after the collapse of Hasina’s administration amid mass protests in 2024.

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Rahman, 60, is the son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and late President Ziaur Rahman. He returned to Bangladesh just two months ago after spending 17 years in self-exile in London. Despite his strong political lineage, he has not previously held public office, making this a historic and closely watched moment in his political career.

Following his election win, Rahman struck a conciliatory tone, calling for unity across political divides. “Our paths and opinions may differ, but in the interest of the country, we must remain united,” he said. He also identified key challenges ahead, including economic recovery, strengthening governance, and restoring law and order.

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The ceremony is expected to draw around 1,200 guests, including international dignitaries.

India to be represented by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla

India will be represented by Om Birla at the swearing-in ceremony Tarique Rahman in Dhaka. Birla will attend the event along with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi is unable to participate due to prior commitments.

The invitation was extended by interim Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, who also invited leaders from 12 other countries, including China, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs said Birla’s presence shows the “deep and enduring friendship” between the two nations and reflects India’s continued support for Bangladesh’s democratic transition.