Tarique Rahman Sworn In as Bangladesh PM, Om Birla Attends

February 17, 2026

Dhaka, Feb 17 — Tarique Rahman was officially sworn in today as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh after leading the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) to a landslide victory in the 13th parliamentary elections. The ceremony marks a major political shift after years of interim governance and turmoil, and Rahman’s return from exile culminates nearly two decades of political struggle.

Rahman succeeds the interim leadership of Muhammad Yunus and takes office at a time when Dhaka is preparing to rebuild political stability and address pressing economic and governance challenges. His party secured an overwhelming majority in parliament, signaling broad public support for change.

Ceremony and International Attendance

The swearing‑in ceremony took place at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sansad Bhawan in Dhaka, where newly elected Members of Parliament also participated in the oath earlier in the day. State officials and foreign dignitaries were present to witness the transition of power.

From India, Om Birla, the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, attended the ceremony as the official representative of the Government of India. His presence was seen as a gesture reaffirming strong bilateral ties and India’s commitment to democratic processes in the region. Other international guests were also in attendance, underscoring the broader diplomatic interest in Bangladesh’s political transition.

End of Long Exile and New Leadership Era

Tarique Rahman’s ascent to the premiership is historic he returns from 17 years in self‑imposed exile to lead the country’s government after his party’s decisive win in the polls. The BNP’s victory represents not just a change in leadership but a political reset after years of upheaval and the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League party system.

Rahman, 60, is the son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, and his leadership ushers in a new chapter in Bangladesh’s politics after decades of rivalry between Bangladesh’s two major political families.

Focus on Governance and Regional Relations

In his first public remarks following the ceremony, Rahman called for national unity and peaceful governance as priorities for his administration. He faces key challenges, including stabilizing the economy, strengthening institutions and ensuring the rule of law after years of political unrest. International observers have highlighted the importance of Bangladesh’s democratic evolution in South Asia.

India’s participation through Om Birla was viewed as affirming shared democratic values and a willingness to engage constructively with Dhaka during a pivotal moment in bilateral relations.

Looking Ahead

With Rahman now officially in office, attention will turn to his cabinet appointments, policy priorities, and how Bangladesh navigates domestic reforms alongside foreign partnerships, including economic cooperation and regional security. Analysts say his government’s performance in its early months will be critical to both domestic confidence and international engagement.