Politics | Tarique Rahman Sworn In as Bangladesh Prime Minister
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Tarique Rahman, leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), was sworn in as Bangladesh's new Prime Minister on . This follows his party's decisive victory in the national elections and marks a significant political shift after 18 months of an interim government.
Tarique Rahman, leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), was sworn in as the new Prime Minister of Bangladesh on , following his party's decisive victory in the national elections. This marks a significant shift in the country's political landscape after 18 months of an interim government. President Mohammed Shahabuddin administered the oath of office to Mr. Rahman, who is the son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and former President Ziaur Rahman.
Rahman Assumes Prime Ministerial Office
The swearing-in ceremony took place on , with Mr. Rahman becoming Bangladesh's first male prime minister in 35 years. Alongside him, 25 cabinet ministers and 24 junior ministers were also sworn in. The BNP and its partners secured 212 seats in the 350-member Parliament following the elections held on , signaling a commanding two-thirds majority. The opposition alliance, led by the Jamaat-e-Islami party, secured 77 seats.
New Administration's Mandate and Challenges
Mr. Rahman, who returned to Bangladesh in December 2025 after 17 years of self-exile in London, has pledged to work for democracy, restore stability, and revive economic growth in Bangladesh. He acknowledged that the new government faces significant challenges, including tackling economic woes, inflation, job creation, and widespread corruption inherited from the previous authoritarian regime. Institutional reform and improving law and order are also expected to be early priorities for his administration.
Political Reactions and Opposition
The Jamaat-e-Islami party, which emerged as the second-largest party, confirmed it would not engage in "politics of opposition" for its own sake, instead focusing on "positive politics". However, the National Citizen Party (NCP), which emerged from the 2024 uprising, announced that its Members of Parliament (MPs) would boycott the ministerial swearing-in ceremony.
End of Interim Governance
Mr. Rahman's assumption of office formally dissolved the interim government led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus. This interim administration had steered the country for 18 months since the overthrow of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government in August 2024. Professor Yunus, who announced his resignation on , expressed hope that the practice of democracy, freedom of speech, and fundamental rights would continue.
India's Response
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Tarique Rahman on the Bangladesh Nationalist Party's electoral victory and his appointment as Prime Minister. In his message, PM Modi underscored the deep-rooted ties between India and Bangladesh and invited Mr. Rahman and his family to visit India. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla also met Mr. Rahman in Dhaka, further highlighting the diplomatic engagement between the two nations.
Background to the Political Shift
The , general elections were the first national polls since the massive student-led uprising in 2024 that led to the downfall of Sheikh Hasina's 15-year rule. Following this upheaval, an interim government led by Muhammad Yunus was sworn in on , with a mandate to implement fundamental reforms and hold free and fair elections. Mr. Rahman's return from exile in December 2025, shortly before his mother's death, significantly boosted the BNP's campaign.
Key Takeaways
- Tarique Rahman was sworn in as the new Prime Minister of Bangladesh on , after the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) secured a decisive victory in the national elections.
- The BNP and its partners won 212 seats in the 350-member Parliament, marking a significant political shift after 18 months of an interim government.
- Mr. Rahman faces immediate challenges, including economic revival, tackling corruption, and improving law and order.
- The interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, was formally dissolved with the formation of the new elected government.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Mr. Rahman and extended an invitation to visit India, highlighting the strong bilateral ties.
People Also Ask
- When was Tarique Rahman sworn in as Prime Minister of Bangladesh?
Tarique Rahman was sworn in as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh on . The oath was administered by President Mohammed Shahabuddin.
- Which party did Tarique Rahman lead to victory?
Tarique Rahman led the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) to a decisive victory in the national elections. The BNP and its partners secured 212 seats in the 350-member Parliament.
- What was the role of the interim government before Rahman's appointment?
An interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, governed Bangladesh for 18 months following the overthrow of Sheikh Hasina's government in August 2024. Its mandate included preparing for free and fair elections.
- What are some of the challenges Tarique Rahman's government is expected to address?
The new government is expected to address challenges such as reviving the economy, controlling inflation, creating jobs, tackling corruption, and improving law and order, according to statements by Mr. Rahman.
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