On Tuesday, February 17, 2026, Tarique Rahman, Chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), was officially sworn in as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh. The ceremony took place at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban (Parliament House), marking the end of the interim government led by Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus, who resigned on Monday.
The swearing-in follows the general elections held on February 12, where the BNP secured a dominant 209 out of 297 seats. The right-wing Jamaat-e-Islami emerged as the primary opposition with 68 seats, while the Awami League remained banned from the polls.
Key Highlights of the New Government
- The Cabinet: A massive 50-member cabinet was inaugurated, consisting of 25 ministers, 24 state ministers, and three technocrats.
- New Faces: The administration emphasizes a “youth and transition” theme; 17 of the 25 ministers are new faces, and all state ministers are holding their positions for the first time.
- India’s Presence: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla represented India at the ceremony, signaling a diplomatic “reset” between New Delhi and the new BNP-led administration. Birla described the event as an “important moment” for democratic values.
- The “July Charter” Rift: Tension is already brewing between the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami over the Constitution Reform Council. While 60% of voters backed a referendum to rewrite the Constitution, the BNP has refused to take the second “Council Oath,” arguing it lacks current constitutional validity.
Security & Transition
- Interim Exit: Muhammad Yunus, in his farewell address, urged the new government to protect the “freedom of speech and fundamental rights” established during the 19-month interim period following Sheikh Hasina’s ouster in July 2024.
- High Security: The Special Security Force (SSF) and Presidential Guard Regiment (PGR) enforced a “zero-gap” security protocol at the South Plaza, involving jammers and medical support convoys.
Global Diplomatic Context
While PM Narendra Modi was among the first to congratulate Rahman, he was unable to attend due to pre-scheduled high-level talks with French President Emmanuel Macron in Mumbai today. However, the presence of Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri alongside Om Birla underscores India’s intent to maintain stability in the neighborhood.