Tarique Rahman to Take Oath as Bangladesh PM

Bangladesh is set for a significant political transition as Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chairman Tarique Rahman prepares to take oath as Prime Minister following a decisive general election victory. The swearing-in ceremony comes after the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in 2024 and marks Rahman’s return to formal leadership after 17 years in exile. The February 12 parliamentary elections have reshaped the country’s political landscape, delivering a clear mandate to the BNP and its allies.

BNP’s Landslide Victory in General Elections

The BNP secured more than 151 seats in the 300-member Jatiya Sangsad, while the BNP-led alliance won a commanding 212 seats, according to the Bangladesh Election Commission. The scale of the victory ensures a stable parliamentary majority for the incoming government.

Jamaat-e-Islami, which contested independently after previously aligning with the BNP, emerged as the second-largest party with 77 seats. The Awami League, led by Sheikh Hasina, was barred from contesting the elections, significantly altering the competitive landscape.

Oath-Taking Ceremony and Diplomatic Representation

The oath-taking ceremony for Members of Parliament is scheduled for 9:30 am at the Parliament Bhaban in Dhaka. A separate session for the swearing-in of the Council of Ministers will take place later in the afternoon.

India will be represented by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, underscoring New Delhi’s continued engagement with Dhaka. Bangladesh’s foreign relations are expected to remain under close watch, particularly ties with India and regional neighbours. Notably, the Prime Ministers of India and Pakistan will not attend the ceremony.

Debate Over Constitutional Reform Council

Uncertainty persists over whether elected MPs will also be required to take an additional oath as members of a proposed constitutional reform council. The proposal is reportedly linked to implementing reforms under the July National Charter.

Sources within the BNP indicate a preference for adherence to the existing constitutional framework, which provides only for the swearing-in of MPs. Legal experts have questioned the constitutional validity of instituting any parallel reform body without formal amendment.

Important Facts for Exams

• Bangladesh has a unicameral parliament known as the Jatiya Sangsad with 300 elected seats.
• The Prime Minister is the head of government in Bangladesh, while the President is the constitutional head of state.
• Bangladesh gained independence from Pakistan in 1971 after a nine-month Liberation War.
• Major political parties include the BNP and the Awami League.

Political Comeback After Prolonged Exile

Tarique Rahman, son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, has staged a historic political comeback after nearly two decades abroad. His return and electoral success signal a generational shift within the BNP. The new administration now faces the task of stabilising governance, addressing economic pressures, and restoring institutional confidence amid heightened political expectations.