Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman Receives Diplomatic Invitations from Pakistan and India

Islamabad/Dhaka: Shortly after taking oath as Prime Minister of Bangladesh on 17 February, Tarique Rahman has already received official invitations from both Pakistan and India for foreign visits. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif extended the invitation through Federal Minister Ehsan Iqbal Chowdhury, who attended Rahman’s swearing-in ceremony as Sharif’s representative and congratulated him on his electoral victory.

According to Ehsan Iqbal, Tarique Rahman has been invited to visit Islamabad on mutually agreed dates. Meanwhile, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also invited the Bangladeshi PM to Delhi. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has not yet confirmed which country Tarique Rahman will visit first.

Pakistan Seeks Closer Ties

During the interim government led by Mohammad Yunus, Bangladesh’s political stance was considered more aligned with Islamabad. With Tarique Rahman assuming office, Pakistan aims to strengthen its diplomatic presence in Dhaka and maintain its influence within the new government. Islamabad’s outreach is part of a broader effort to improve historically strained Pakistan-Bangladesh relations, which have been tense since the 1971 Liberation War.

BNP’s pro-Pakistan orientation is well-known, with Rahman’s late mother Khaleda Zia’s tenure having marked improved bilateral relations. Experts note that Tarique Rahman appears likely to balance ties between India and Pakistan, signaling a cautious and strategic approach to foreign diplomacy.

BNP’s Sweeping Victory

The BNP made a remarkable comeback after nearly two decades out of power. In the elections for 299 seats, the party, led by Tarique Rahman, secured 211 seats, while its main rival, Jamaat-e-Islami, won 68 seats. The BNP’s strong showing is expected to shape Dhaka’s domestic and foreign policy over the coming years.