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As Om Birla heads to Dhaka for Tarique Rahman’s swearing-in, the visit signals more than ceremony- it could reshape strained India-Bangladesh ties after years of political tension and diplomatic uncertainty.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to attend Tarique Rahman's swearing in ceremony
New Delhi: India will be represented at the swearing-in ceremony of Bangladesh Prime Minister-elect Tarique Rahman by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, who is scheduled to travel to Dhaka on February 17.
He is expected to be accompanied by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, according to an official statement from India’s external affairs establishment.
New Delhi said Birla’s presence reflects the deep historical, cultural, and diplomatic bonds shared between India and Bangladesh. The statement welcomed Bangladesh’s transition to an elected government under Rahman’s leadership, describing it as a democratic mandate that opens space for renewed regional cooperation.
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The development follows an invitation extended to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the ceremony. Bangladesh’s political leadership has also reportedly invited several regional and international figures, underlining the significance of the political transition in Dhaka.
Bilateral relations faced turbulence after former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was removed from power during the 2024 uprising and subsequently fled to India. Dhaka has since called for her extradition, a demand that added strain to diplomatic engagement between the neighbours.
Concerns over violence against minority communities further complicated ties, prompting calls from multiple quarters for confidence-building measures and renewed dialogue.
Rahman’s Bangladesh Nationalist Party has indicated interest in stabilising relations with India, while stressing respect for Bangladesh’s sovereignty. Party advisers have said constructive cooperation can resume once contentious political issues are addressed, emphasising the mutual benefits of regional partnership.
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Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary elections delivered a sweeping mandate to the BNP, marking its return to power after more than two decades dominated largely by the Awami League. The polls were conducted under an interim administration led by Muhammad Yunus, with official figures showing a moderate voter turnout.
Rahman’s upcoming oath ceremony is therefore being viewed as more than a routine constitutional event—it represents a potential turning point for domestic governance in Bangladesh and for the future trajectory of India-Bangladesh relations.
