BNP plans to invite Modi to Tarique’s swearing-in, says party leader

The BNP plans to invite Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the upcoming swearing-in of party Chairman Tarique Rahman as the new prime minister, following the party’s landslide victory in the 13th national parliamentary elections.

In an interview with Indian news channel WION today (14 February), the BNP chairman’s Foreign Policy Adviser Humayun Kabir confirmed the plan.

The oath-taking ceremony is expected in the coming days, with preparations underway for Tarique, son of late Khaleda Zia and former prime minister, to assume office after 17 years in exile.

Humayun Kabir further said, “Region is important to us. An important part of the foreign policy of Tarique Rahman. Making this region an influential region. Sense of priority in sending out invitations for the inauguration. The time frame is short, the gesture is there.”

He described the invitation as a goodwill gesture aimed at improving relations. “You give an invitation for people to attend, you will have expectations that you attend. A goodwill gesture…”

Kabir said the new government intends to adopt a balanced approach to regional cooperation.

“We also believe a certain political vision for the region can be set out,” he added.

He pointed to multilateral platforms as key avenues for engagement, saying the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation and the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation “can be utilised.”

The remarks come amid a wave of international congratulations following the BNP’s landslide win in the 12 February elections, marking a significant shift in Bangladesh’s political landscape after the ouster of Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League government on 5 August 2024.

Indian Prime Minister Modi has already reached out to Tarique Rahman, holding a phone conversation to congratulate him on the “remarkable victory” and expressing India’s support for a democratic and progressive Bangladesh.