DHAKA – In a historic shift for Bangladesh’s political landscape, Tarique Rahman, Chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, is set to take the oath of office as the country’s new Prime Minister this Tuesday. The ceremony follows a decisive victory for the BNP in the general elections held last week, marking a new chapter for the nation.
The BNP secured a landslide win in the February 12 polls—the first national elections since the 2024 uprising that ended the long-standing administration of Sheikh Hasina.
A Change in Tradition
Breaking away from the traditional swearing-in venue at Bangabhaban, the 60-year-old Rahman will take his oath at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad (Parliament Complex).
According to the state-run BSS news agency, President Mohammed Shahabuddin will administer the oath to the new cabinet members Tuesday afternoon. “The Parliament Secretariat is prepared to host the ceremony at 4:00 PM tomorrow. This will be preceded by the swearing-in of newly elected Members of Parliament (MPs) at 10:00 AM at the same venue,” stated Kaniz Maula, Secretary of the Jatiya Sangsad Secretariat.
The BNP has scheduled a parliamentary party meeting for 11:30 AM to officially elect Rahman as the leader of the parliamentary party. “As the leader of the majority, our chairman, Tarique Rahman, will assume the role of Prime Minister,” confirmed BNP standing committee member Salah Uddin Ahmed.
International Representation
The ceremony will see a significant turnout of regional and international leaders. Representing India, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla is expected to attend, likely accompanied by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Lok Sabha Secretary-General Utpal Kumar Singh.
Other confirmed international guests include:
- Mohammed Muizzoo, President of the Maldives
- Beris Ekinci, Turkish Undersecretary
- Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, Sri Lanka’s Minister of Health and Mass Media
Election Breakdown and Results
The 13th parliamentary election was held under the shadow of a volatile political vacuum and a fragile security environment following the student-led protests in August 2024. With Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League barred from the contest, the Election Commission reported a voter turnout of 59.44%.
The final tally highlights a dominant performance by the BNP and its allies:
- BNP: 209 seats (out of 297)
- Jamaat-e-Islami: 68 seats
Following the victory, Rahman made a series of high-profile visits to political rivals and allies, including Jamaat-e-Islami chief Shafiqur Rahman and National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam, in a move seen as an effort to foster national stability.
A New Era for Dhaka
Tarique Rahman’s ascension marks several milestones: it is his first time holding the office of Prime Minister, and he will be the first male to lead the country since 1991. He succeeds the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus, a period during which diplomatic relations between Dhaka and New Delhi faced notable strain.
The international community is now looking toward Rahman’s administration to restore long-term stability and recalibrate Bangladesh’s foreign policy in the post-Hasina era.