In some time, BNP chief Tarique Rahman will be taking the oath as Prime Minister of Bangladesh. The ceremony will be held at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad at 3:30 PM (4 PM local time). President Mohammed Shahabuddin will administer the oath to Rahman and his cabinet. Earlier in the day, all newly elected MPs will be sworn in.
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party secured a sweeping win in the 13th parliamentary elections, held on February 12. The BNP won 209 out of 297 seats, giving it a clear majority. Jamaat-e-Islami won 68 seats. Ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's Awami League was barred from contesting the elections.
'No room for politics of vengeance'
Ahead of taking office, PM-designate Tarique Rahman sent a message that there was "no room for politics of vengeance." He warned that attacks based on political views would not be tolerated. He stressed that the rule of law would guide his government. "Our paths may be different, our opinions may differ, but for the sake of the country, we must stay united," he said, India TV reported.
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The first elections since the ouster of Sheikh Hasina and her government, the polls followed a tense period marked by violence against minority communities. In this context, Tarique Rahman's call for unity stands out. Four leaders from minority communities, including two Hindus and two Buddhists, won on BNP tickets.
Rahman to focus on stability and good governance
Tarique Rahman admitted the challenges ahead are serious. He pointed to a fragile economy, weak institutions, and law and order concerns, according to India TV. He said his focus will be on stability and good governance. Son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and late President Ziaur Rahman, he is taking public office for the first time after returning from a 17-year-long exile abroad.
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Which world leaders will be attending Tarique Rahman's swearing-in?
Around 1,200 guests are expected at the ceremony. India will be represented by Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla. Reports suggest that Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, Nepal Finance Minister Nanda Sharma, Pakistan Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Sri Lanka Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, and UK Under-Secretary Seema Malhotra will be attending the swearing-in of Tarique Rahman.
