Dhaka: In a move signalling strengthened regional ties, Bangladesh is gearing up to extend formal invitations to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other South Asian leaders for the swearing-in ceremony of Tarique Rahman, the incoming prime minister of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).
The BNP’s sweeping victory in the recent parliamentary elections sets the stage for this pivotal event on February 17.
Sources close to the matter revealed that Dhaka has already informally notified New Delhi about the plans. Despite hinting at inviting heads of neighbouring nations to foster diplomatic goodwill, the BNP has yet to make any official announcements. However, PM Modi’s attendance appears unlikely due to a conflicting schedule — a high-profile bilateral summit with French President Emmanuel Macron in Mumbai on the same day. Instead, India is expected to dispatch a senior official to represent the nation at the oath-taking.
The development comes amid warm exchanges between the two leaders. On Friday, Modi held a congratulatory phone call with Rahman, lauding the BNP’s electoral triumph. In a statement, Modi expressed his “good wishes and support for Rahman’s efforts to fulfil the aspirations of the Bangladeshi people.” He underscored India’s unwavering commitment to the “peace, progress, and prosperity” of both countries, highlighting their “deep historical and cultural bonds.”
This invitation underscores Bangladesh’s intention to reset regional relations post-elections amid ongoing efforts to stabilise the nation’s political landscape.