Story Content

As a major diplomatic move, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will be present in the swearing-in of the newly elected government of Bangladesh in the presence of Tarique Rahman, Chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in Dhaka on February 17, 2026. India announced it on February 15, 2026, and it promoted the long-term and profound friendship between the two countries.

Tarique Rahman, who is a son of a former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia is expected to assume the position of Prime Minister after the BNP won recent elections which brought to an end the interim government led by Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus. The swearing in of newly elected Members of Parliament will take place in the morning and swearing in of the cabinet will take place in the evening in the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad (Parliament Building). Oaths are supposed to be administered by President Mohammed Shahabuddin.

The MEA reciprocated that the involvement of Birla emphasizes the long-standing and strong friendship between the people of India and Bangladesh, and reassured India of its resolute adherence to the principles of democratic ideals which espouse the relationship between the two countries. High-level engagement is also indicated because Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri is supposed to accompany him.

The interim government of Bangladesh led by Muhammad Yunus had invited the heads of government of 13 countries namely, India, China, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Turkey, UAE, Qatar, Malaysia, Brunei, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Maldives and Bhutan. Although Prime Minister Narendra Modi was invited, he would not be in a position to be present, as he has previous commitments, such as bilateral discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron in Mumbai. The fact that Birla is a constitutional authority demonstrates that India is concerned with enhancing its relationship with the incoming elected government.

This step has been taken in the context of renewing bilateral relations which had been strained during the interim of the Yunus administration on matters such as the security of minorities and regional politics. Om Birla will also help in reviving old co-operation and this, especially in terms of trade, security and connectivity, is a good move by analysts.

It is predicted that about 1,200 guests, both domestic and foreign, will be present at the event and some of the other dignitaries who will be present include the Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay and Pakistan Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal. With Bangladesh being a country that is going through the processes of the new elected leader, the Indian image of the country has been focused on the same democratic principles and the need to be a good neighbor.