Tarique Rahman Sworn In as Bangladesh’s Prime Minister, Ushering in a New Political Era
New Government in Bangladesh from Today; Tarique Rahman to Take Oath as PM: A new political chapter begins in Bangladesh today as Tarique Rahman, chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), prepares to take oath as the country’s new Prime Minister following a landslide electoral victory.
The 60-year-old leader, widely regarded as the political successor to former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, assumes office after the BNP secured 209 out of 297 seats in the 13th parliamentary elections held on February 12. The right-wing Jamaat-e-Islami won 68 seats, while the Awami League, led by Sheikh Hasina, was barred from contesting.
Ceremony Breaks with Tradition
In a departure from longstanding custom, the swearing-in ceremony will be held at the South Plaza of the Parliament complex instead of the historic Bangabhaban. The event is scheduled for 4:00 p.m., where President Mohammad Shahabuddin will administer the oath of office and secrecy to Rahman and his cabinet members.
Earlier in the day, Members of Parliament will be sworn in at 10:00 a.m., followed by a BNP parliamentary party meeting at 11:30 a.m. to formally elect Rahman as leader of the house.
International Attention on Dhaka
The ceremony is expected to draw representatives from several countries. India will be represented by Om Birla, Speaker of the Lok Sabha, accompanied by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Lok Sabha Secretary General Utpal Kumar Singh.
Rahman takes charge after a period of political turbulence that followed the fall of the Sheikh Hasina-led government in August 2024. Voter turnout in the recent elections stood at 59.44 percent, reflecting strong public engagement amid shifting political dynamics.
A Shift After Three Decades
Rahman becomes Bangladesh’s first male Prime Minister since 1991. Over the past three decades, power has alternated between Khaleda Zia and Sheikh Hasina. He succeeds interim government chief Muhammad Yunus, whose tenure saw fluctuating diplomatic relations, particularly with India.
Global observers are now closely watching Rahman’s foreign policy direction, especially his approach toward strengthening bilateral ties with New Delhi and repositioning Bangladesh on the regional and international stage.
As the oath is administered this afternoon, many see the moment as not just a change in leadership—but the beginning of a new political era for Bangladesh.
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