Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairman Tarique Rahman was sworn in as Bangladesh’s new prime minister on Tuesday, marking a significant shift in the country’s political landscape. President Mohammed Shahabuddin administered the oath of office at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban in the afternoon.
Following Rahman’s swearing-in, 25 cabinet ministers and 24 state ministers also took oath. Official sources indicated that allocation of portfolios is expected to be announced shortly.
Earlier in the day, the BNP Parliamentary Party elected Rahman as leader of the parliamentary party at a meeting held at the parliament complex. Lawmakers from BNP and its allies subsequently took oath, consolidating the coalition’s position in the new legislature.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir described the development as “historic,” stating that the party’s return to power followed what he called a fair electoral process after years of political turmoil.
“In this parliament, with a majority of seats, we have elected our young leader Mr Tarique Rahman as the leader of the parliamentary party,” he was quoted as saying by the DailyStar.
Rahman, 60, recently returned to Bangladesh after spending nearly 17 years in London. His comeback followed the death of his mother, former prime minister Khaleda Zia. Under his leadership, the BNP secured a decisive victory in last week’s general elections, emerging with a clear majority in the seats contested.
The transition comes after a turbulent phase in Bangladesh’s politics. Awami League leader Sheikh Hasina, who had served as prime minister for over 15 years, was removed from office following a student-led uprising in August 2024. An interim administration headed by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus had governed the country since then.
With a commanding mandate, Rahman now faces the challenge of stabilising the political environment and addressing concerns over law and order. Analysts note that economic recovery will be a priority, particularly reviving the textile sector, which has struggled amid disruptions in recent years.
Foreign policy is also expected to be closely watched. Observers say the new government will need to recalibrate relations with regional and global partners, including India, while managing Bangladesh’s engagement with China and Pakistan.
India was represented at the ceremony by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, accompanied by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. “It’s an important moment that will strengthen people‑to‑people ties and shared democratic values between our two nations,” Birla wrote in a post on X.
In remarks following the election results, Rahman called for national unity and reconciliation. “Our paths and opinions may differ, but in the interest of the country, we must remain united,” he had said, emphasising the need for peace and stability.
