Bangladesh: India’s foreign secretary Vikram Misri meets opposition leader Shafiqur Rahman amid cabinet swearing-in

India engages Bangladesh opposition during cabinet swearing

India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri held a courtesy meeting with Bangladesh’s Leader of the Opposition and Amir of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, on the sidelines of the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and his cabinet in Dhaka.

In a statement released by the High Commission of India in Bangladesh, the mission said, “FS conveyed greetings to Dr. Rahman on his new role and reaffirmed India’s enduring support to Bangladesh, underscoring the people-centric nature of the ties.”

Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, in turn, highlighted the deep civilisational bonds shared by the two countries and expressed hope for stronger bilateral relations moving forward.

Diplomatic observers noted that the meeting reflects New Delhi’s calibrated approach to maintain dialogue with key political stakeholders across Bangladesh’s spectrum, particularly during a period of political transition.

After nearly two decades in exile, Tarique Rahman has returned to Bangladesh not merely as a political figure, but as the country’s newly sworn-in prime minister, completing one of South Asia’s most remarkable comebacks.

Rahman, 60, assumed office on Tuesday following a decisive victory for the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in the 13th parliamentary elections on February 12. The BNP won 209 of 297 seats, ending nearly twenty years of political marginalisation and reshaping Bangladesh’s political landscape. Right-wing ally Jamaat-e-Islami also performed strongly, securing 68 seats, while the Awami League, led by former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, was barred from contesting after widespread student-led protests ended her 15-year rule in August 2024.

Rahman’s rise is deeply tied to his family legacy. His father, Ziaur Rahman, a former military ruler turned politician, founded the BNP before his assassination in 1981. Leadership then passed to Rahman’s mother, Khaleda Zia, who dominated Bangladeshi politics for decades.

Rahman’s own journey was turbulent. Leaving Bangladesh in 2008 for medical treatment, he spent 17 years in self-imposed exile in London, during which the BNP weakened. His return in December last year drew huge crowds, signalling public anticipation. Yet joy was tempered by personal loss, as Khaleda Zia passed away just five days later, forcing Rahman to assume full party leadership amid mourning.