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Tarique Rahman takes office as Bangladesh’s first male prime minister in 36 years after a landmark BNP victory. How will this historic shift reshape the nation’s politics, governance, and reform agenda after decades of female-led leadership?
Tarique Rahman sworn-in as new Prime Minister of Bangladesh
Dhaka: Tarique Rahman has sworn in as the new Prime Minister of Bangladesh on Tuesday, February 17, following a decisive victory for the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in the 2026 general elections. His appointment marks a historic shift, as he becomes the country’s first male prime minister in 36 years, ending decades of female-dominated leadership.
The oath-taking ceremony was held at the Jatiya Sangsad Complex, with President Mohammed Shahabuddin administering the pledge. The event was attended by senior political leaders, diplomats, and international observers, reflecting the significance of this political transition.
Tarique Rahman set to take oath as Bangladesh Prime Minister in historic shift; Full details here
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The BNP’s landslide win in the February 12 elections returned the party to power after nearly two decades. Preliminary results indicated the party secured a two-thirds majority in parliament.
This election is widely considered the first full national vote following the political unrest that led to the exit of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the installation of an interim government led by Professor Muhammad Yunus.
For Tarique Rahman, the swearing-in also represents his first official role in public office. According to reports, seventeen ministers and twenty-four state ministers in the new cabinet are “new faces,” many of whom have never held public office before. Rahman’s leadership marks a generational change and a symbolic return for the BNP after years of political marginalization.
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Prothom Alo reported widespread public engagement around the ceremony. By mid-afternoon, Manik Mia Avenue in Dhaka was filled with BNP supporters celebrating the swearing-in of the Council of Ministers. The BNP, which has long campaigned on narratives of political oppression, described the elections as “festive, fair, and acceptable,” reflecting a renewed mandate from voters.
The new administration is expected to implement the reforms outlined in the July Charter, an 84-point agenda aimed at strengthening democratic governance, protecting human rights, and promoting accountability in public office signaling a new political chapter for Bangladesh.
