Tarique Rahman, leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), was officially sworn in as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh on Tuesday, following a landslide victory in the February 12 elections. The BNP secured a dominant 209 out of 297 seats, marking a significant return to power after the ouster of the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League, which was barred from contesting the polls. The ceremony, held in Dhaka, signifies the end of the interim administration led by Muhammad Yunus, who resigned on Monday after overseeing the country’s transition since July 2024.
The new administration features a 50-member Council of Ministers characterized by a surge of fresh faces. Out of the 25 Cabinet ministers and 24 state ministers appointed, a vast majority are first-time entrants, including Rahman himself. In a notable move aimed at inclusivity and regional stability, the Prime Minister has included a Hindu minister within his cabinet, signaling an intent to address minority representation amidst the country’s shifting political landscape. This cabinet also includes three technocrats, balancing political leadership with specialized expertise.
The swearing-in ceremony drew significant regional participation, highlighted by the presence of India’s Lok Sabha Speaker, Om Birla. Representing New Delhi, Birla emphasized that this transition is a “vital moment” for reinforcing democratic values and people-to-people ties between the two neighboring nations. Although Prime Minister Narendra Modi was unable to attend due to a high-level meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron, he was among the first global leaders to congratulate Rahman, underscoring India’s commitment to maintaining strong bilateral relations with the new government.
