DHAKA: The Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s sweeping victory in the February 12 parliamentary elections has paved the way for Tarique Rahman to assume office as Prime Minister, marking the end of Muhammad Yunus’s tenure as chief adviser.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was invited to attend Tarique’s swearing-in ceremony in Dhaka, was unable to do so due to a pre-scheduled bilateral meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron in Mumbai.
In a congratulatory message, Modi described Tarique’s victory as a reflection of the Bangladeshi people’s trust in his leadership and their mandate for a vision centred on peace, stability and prosperity. He extended an invitation to the new Prime Minister, along with his wife Zubaida Rahman and daughter Zaima, to visit India at a mutually convenient time, assuring them of a warm welcome.
Highlighting the close ties between the two countries, Modi said India and Bangladesh share a deep-rooted friendship built on common history, cultural bonds and shared aspirations for development. He noted that the convergence of developmental priorities between the two neighbours would guide future cooperation.
Tarique, 60, became the first male Prime Minister of Bangladesh in 35 years. He was administered the oath of office by President Mohammed Shahabuddin at the Jatiya Sangsad, the country’s unicameral legislature. The ceremony was held at the parliament complex rather than the traditional venue of Bangabhaban, the president’s official residence, marking a departure from longstanding practice. Several foreign dignitaries attended the event.
Modi was reportedly the first global leader to telephone Tarique to offer congratulations. In his letter, he expressed his intention to work closely with the new Prime Minister to strengthen bilateral ties and expand cooperation across connectivity, trade, technology, education, skill development, energy, healthcare, and cultural exchanges.
“As two fast-growing economies and aspiring societies, India and Bangladesh can truly become catalysts for each other’s sustainable growth, work for each other’s security and enable mutual prosperity,” Modi wrote.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, who attended the ceremony and later called on Tarique, said India stands ready to support Bangladesh in building a democratic, progressive and inclusive nation.
Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to India, Riaz Hamidullah, said Tarique conveyed his greetings to both Modi and Birla. He added that leaders on both sides expressed optimism about working together for the welfare of their peoples through a people-centric cooperation agenda.
