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Bangladesh's New Govt Invites India, China, Pakistan to Tarique Rahman's Swearing-In

The newly elected Bangladesh government, led by Bangladesh Nationalist Party chairperson Tarique Rahman, has invited leaders from 13 countries including India, China, and Pakistan to its swearing-in ceremony next Tuesday. The BNP has articulated an inclusive foreign policy vision of "friends to all, malice to none," and has acknowledged Prime Minister Narendra Modi's congratulatory message following its landslide election victory. Modi's message expressed India's support for a democratic Bangladesh and a desire to strengthen bilateral relations. The 2026 election marked a significant political shift, ending the long tenure of Sheikh Hasina and bringing the BNP to power with a decisive mandate.

Key Points: Bangladesh Invites India, China to Tarique Rahman's Oath Ceremony

  • 13 countries invited to ceremony
  • BNP's "friends to all" foreign policy
  • PM Modi congratulated Rahman on BNP win
  • BNP seeks constructive ties with India
  • Election marked major political shift from Hasina era
3 min read

Bangladesh: India among 13 countries to be invited to BNP leader Tarique Rahman's swearing-in ceremony

BNP leader Tarique Rahman's new govt invites 13 nations, including India and China, to its swearing-in. PM Modi's congratulatory message acknowledged.

"Friends to all, malice to none. - BNP leader ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milan"

Dhaka, February 15

The newly elected government of Bangladesh, led by Bangladesh Nationalist Party chairperson Tarique Rahman, is set to take oath coming Tuesday and the Chief Adviser of the interim government, Professor Muhammad Yunus, has invited leaders of 13 countries, including China, India, and Pakistan, to attend the swearing-in ceremony of the cabinet, Prothom Alo reported.

According to diplomatic sources, the list of invited countries so far includes China, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, India, Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Malaysia, Brunei, Sri Lanka, Nepal, the Maldives, and Bhutan, reported Prothom Alo.

The swearing-in ceremony of the new cabinet will be held next Tuesday afternoon at the South Plaza of the National Parliament.

Earlier, BNP leader ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milan on Saturday expressed hope that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would be invited to the upcoming government swearing-in ceremony, while underscoring the party's inclusive foreign policy vision "friends to all, malice to none".

Addressing reporters in Dhaka, Milan remarked on the question of inviting South Asian leaders to the event, "I don't know exactly what they're doing, but hopefully they'll invite everyone. I don't know exactly, but he (PM Modi) should be invited. It's general courtesy. The organisers will do it. I hope the whole world will be with us."

Highlighting the party's broader stance on international relations, he added, "Friends to all, malice to none."

The BNP acknowledged Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his congratulatory message following the party's sweeping victory in Bangladesh's parliamentary elections earlier this month.

In a post on X, the BNP expressed appreciation for PM Modi's message and recognition of its leadership. "Thank you very much, Honourable @narendramodi. We greatly appreciate your kind acknowledgment of Tarique Rahman's leadership in securing the BNP's decisive win in the national elections. This outcome reflects the trust and confidence the people of Bangladesh have placed in our leadership and in the democratic process."

The party further underscored its commitment to democratic governance and national development. "Bangladesh remains committed to upholding democratic values, inclusivity, and progressive development for all its citizens."

Highlighting the importance of bilateral ties, the BNP signalled its intent to work closely with New Delhi in the coming years. "We look forward to engaging constructively with India to advance our multifaceted relationship, guided by mutual respect, sensitivity to each other's concerns, and a shared commitment to peace, stability, and prosperity in our region."

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his warm wishes to Tarique Rahman after the BNP's electoral triumph, marking a significant political shift in Bangladesh's leadership landscape.

In his message posted on X, Modi congratulated Rahman on steering the party to a decisive mandate.

"I convey my warm congratulations to Tarique Rahman on leading BNP to a decisive victory in the Parliamentary elections in Bangladesh. This victory shows the trust of the people of Bangladesh in your leadership. India will continue to stand in support of a democratic, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh. I look forward to working with you to strengthen our multifaceted relations and advance our common development goals. @trahmanbnp @bdbnp78"

The 2026 Bangladeshi general election, held on 12 February 2026, marked a major political shift. It was the first election after the 2024 mass protests that ousted long-time leader Sheikh Hasina.

The BNP, led by Tarique Rahman, won a landslide majority in the 300-seat parliament, securing well over the 151 seats needed to form a government and positioning Rahman as prime minister-designate. The Islamist Jamaat-e-Islami alliance emerged as the main opposition.

Voter turnout was around 59%, and a constitutional referendum on governance reforms passed. Results triggered reactions across Bangladesh's political spectrum and internationally amid hopes for democratic renewal.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Interesting to see China, Pakistan, and India all on the same invitation list. The new BNP government is clearly trying to balance relations. As an Indian, I hope our leadership engages wisely. Our ties with Bangladesh are too important—shared culture, trade, and security—to be affected by external influences.
A
Aman W
The invite is a diplomatic formality, but the real test will be on issues like water sharing (Teesta), border management, and trade. The previous government had its challenges. Hoping this new chapter brings more cooperation and less friction. Bangladesh's prosperity is linked to ours.
S
Sarah B
While it's good to maintain diplomatic channels, we must be cautiously optimistic. Tarique Rahman's past has been controversial. India should support the democratic process but also be clear-eyed in safeguarding its interests, especially with China's growing footprint in the region.
K
Karthik V
"Friends to all, malice to none" sounds ideal, but in geopolitics, everyone has priorities. Hope Bangladesh remembers who stood by them during the Liberation War and in times of need. The relationship is like family—sometimes disagreements, but the bond is permanent. Jai Hind.
N
Nikhil C
Respectfully, I think our media and government are being too celebratory. We must not forget the BNP's historical associations. Engagement is necessary, but we need a firm, principled foreign policy that doesn't swing with every election result in neighbouring countries. Stability is key.

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