Prime Minister Narendra Modi has received an official invitation from Bangladesh to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Tarique Rahman as the country’s next Prime Minister on February 17, 2026. This follows the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)’s landslide victory in recent parliamentary elections, marking their return to power after years in opposition.
Election Victory
Tarique Rahman, BNP chairperson and son of former PM Khaleda Zia, led the party to a decisive win in Bangladesh’s first national election since the 2024 political upheaval that ousted Sheikh Hasina’s government. Rahman, who returned from 17 years of exile in London, is set to be sworn in, with the BNP securing a majority as per election commission results.
Diplomatic Invitations
Bangladesh extended invites to leaders from 13 countries, including India, China, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Malaysia, Brunei, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Maldives, and Bhutan, to underscore regional ties during the transition. PM Modi congratulated Rahman via phone post-election, reaffirming India’s support for Bangladesh’s progress and bilateral peace.
India’s Response
India has not yet confirmed PM Modi’s attendance, with sources indicating a prior commitment—a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron in Mumbai on the same day—may prevent his visit. A senior Indian official is likely to represent the country at the Dhaka ceremony instead.
