India to Attend Tarique Rahman's Inauguration as Bangladesh PM
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will represent India at the swearing-in ceremony.
Top Summary
- What happened: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will represent India at Tarique Rahman's swearing-in as Bangladesh's Prime Minister.
- Why it matters: The move underscores the strong ties between India and Bangladesh, despite PM Modi declining the invitation.
- What changes for people: Signifies continued diplomatic relations under the new BNP leadership in Bangladesh.
- Who is affected: India-Bangladesh relations, regional diplomacy, and the political landscape in both nations.
India's Representation at Inauguration
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will represent India at the February 17th swearing-in ceremony of Tarique Rahman as Prime Minister of Bangladesh. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) made the announcement on Sunday, February 15, 2026.
The invitation from Bangladesh's interim advisor, Muhammad Yunus, was delivered on Saturday, February 14, 2026. It followed a phone call between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Mr. Rahman, leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).
Modi's Absence and Enduring Friendship
Prime Minister Modi declined the invitation due to French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to Mumbai and the Artificial Intelligence Summit in Delhi.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and other officials will accompany Mr. Birla.
The MEA stated that Mr. Birla's participation "underscores the deep and enduring friendship" between India and Bangladesh. It also reaffirms "India’s steadfast commitment to the democratic values that bind our two nations."
Regional and International Attendees
Leaders from at least 12 other countries have been invited. These include SAARC members Bhutan, Nepal, Pakistan, the Maldives, and Sri Lanka.
Other nations invited are China, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Malaysia, and Brunei. Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Bhutan PM Tshering Tobgay are also expected in Delhi for the AI Summit.
Rahman's Victory and Political Context
Mr. Rahman's party won 209 of 297 elected seats in the first general election since the ouster of former PM Sheikh Hasina in August 2024.
Mr. Rahman will be the first male Prime Minister of Bangladesh in decades. He follows his mother Khaleda Zia, the country's first female PM, who passed away in December 2025.
His father, Gen Ziaur Rahman, took power in 1975 and became Bangladesh’s President, before his assassination in 1981.
Statements and Invitations
BNP Foreign Affairs Advisor Humaiun Kobir told The Hindu that all “regional leaders” would be invited to the swearing-in ceremony.
The MEA stated, "As neighbours united by a shared history, culture, and mutual respect, India welcomes Bangladesh’s transition to an elected government under the leadership of Tarique Rahman, whose vision and values have received an overwhelming mandate of the people."
Upcoming Events
Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin will administer the oath to newly elected MPs on Tuesday at 10 am. President Mohammed Shahabuddin will administer the oath to the Prime Minister and Cabinet at 4 pm.
What to Watch Next
The focus will be on the dynamics between India and Bangladesh under the new leadership, and whether the no-confidence motion against Mr. Birla gains traction after Parliament reconvenes on March 9th. The upcoming AI Summit in Delhi will also gather international leaders.