The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), which secured a clear mandate and received a landslide victory, is set to form government in the first parliamentary elections since 2024, has invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the oath-taking ceremony, where BNP chairman Tarique Rahman is set to take oath as the next Prime Minister of Bangladesh.
Besides India, Professor Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Adviser of the interim government, has invited heads of government from 12 more countries to attend the event. The invitee list includes China, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Malaysia, Brunei, Sri Lanka, Nepal, the Maldives, and Bhutan. India’s invitation is seen as a major bilateral diplomatic reset, as Dhaka and New Delhi look to mend ties following a break in relations over the extradition of Sheikh Hasina, who has been residing in India since 2024.
Will PM Modi Attend The Oath-Taking Ceremony?
According to a report by NDTV, citing sources, PM Modi will not be able to attend the swearing-in ceremony of BNP because of prior commitments in Mumbai on the same day with French President Emmanuel Macron. In place of PM Modi, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar or Vice President CP Radhakrishnan is expected to represent India at the ceremony.
Diplomatic observers say India's participation at any level will be closely analysed for signals about the future trajectory of India-Bangladesh relations under the new BNP-led government. While past BNP administrations have had complex ties with New Delhi, recent statements from party leaders have emphasised regional cooperation, trade, connectivity and stability.
The swearing-in ceremony will take place on February 17 at the Southern Plaza of the Bangladesh Parliament House. Newly elected members of the BNP will also be part of the Oath-Taking ceremony. According to NDTV, citing BNP sources, the oath to Tarique Rahman will be administered by Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin.