Tarique Rahman set to be sworn in as Bangladesh PM in Dhaka today; Om Birla to represent India

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chairman Tarique Rahman (C) waves to supporters as he leaves after meeting with Jamaat-e-Islami party leader Shafiqur Rahman in Dhaka on February 15, 2026. (AFP Photo)

Tarique Rahman is set to be sworn in as Bangladesh's Prime Minister today, February 17, after leading the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) to a decisive victory in the 13th parliamentary elections. The ceremony marks a significant political shift following months of upheaval in the country.

Swearing-in at Parliament Complex

Breaking with convention, the oath ceremony will be held at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Complex instead of Bangabhaban. President Mohammed Shahabuddin will administer the oath to cabinet members at 4 pm, while newly elected MPs will be sworn in earlier in the day. Supporters gathered outside the BNP office in Dhaka as lawmakers arrived ahead of the ceremony. The BNP has also scheduled a parliamentary party meeting to formally elect its leader, with senior figure Salah Uddin Ahmed confirming Rahman's elevation as head of government.

India Representation, Regional Presence

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will represent India at the event, accompanied by senior officials. However, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will not attend. Leaders from the Maldives, Turkey and Sri Lanka are expected to be present.

Election Outcome and Political Landscape

Election Commission figures show the BNP-led alliance securing over 200 seats in the 300-member parliament, while Jamaat-e-Islami emerged as the second-largest bloc. The Bangladesh Awami League was barred from contesting the polls, held after the 2024 mass protests that ended Sheikh Hasina's long tenure.

Reform Council Debate

Questions remain over whether MPs will take a second oath as members of a proposed constitutional reform council under the July National Charter. The BNP has raised legal concerns, arguing that the current constitution does not provide for such a body.

Rahman will replace interim leader Muhammad Yunus, ushering in a new phase in Dhaka's governance.