BNP Plans to Invite Modi to Tarique Rahman’s Oath-Taking Ceremony as Bangladesh Prime Minister

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is planning to formally invite Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the oath-taking ceremony of Tarique Rahman as the country’s new Prime Minister, following the party’s overwhelming victory in the February 12 general elections.

Humayun Kabir, foreign policy advisor to BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman, confirmed the intention in statements reported exclusively by WION News from Dhaka. Kabir expressed hope that PM Modi would accept and attend the event, highlighting the positive momentum in bilateral relations.

The BNP achieved a historic landslide, securing a two-thirds majority with over 200 seats in the 299-member Jatiya Sangsad. This marks the party’s return to power after years in opposition and follows the 2024 political upheaval that led to the ouster of the previous Awami League government.

Tarique Rahman, exiled for nearly two decades and now back in Bangladesh, is poised to assume the premiership. The oath-taking process is expected to unfold in stages: newly elected MPs are likely to be sworn in first, followed by the Prime Minister and cabinet. Recent reports from sources like Prothom Alo and diplomatic consultations point to the ceremonies occurring early next week, potentially Monday or Tuesday, February 16 or 17, though some earlier speculation mentioned this weekend.

No official confirmation on Modi’s attendance has been issued yet, but the planned invitation underscores India’s Neighbourhood First approach amid Bangladesh’s political transition.