Islamabad/Dhaka: Following a decisive victory in Bangladesh’s parliamentary elections, BNP leader Tarique Rahman is set to be sworn in as Prime Minister on Tuesday, 17 February. The BNP has invited leaders from 13 countries, including India and Pakistan, to attend the ceremony. However, both New Delhi and Islamabad have opted not to send their respective heads of government.
Tarique Rahman, the son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and former President Ziaur Rahman, will assume office amid heightened regional attention. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who was initially expected to attend due to strengthened Dhaka-Islamabad ties during the previous 18 months of governance under Yunus, will not be present. Analysts suggest that Pakistan’s position has shifted following the exclusion of its favored Jamaat-e-Islami party from the government.
Political commentator Kamar Cheema stated that Islamabad will adopt a cautious “wait-and-watch” approach toward Dhaka, evaluating what benefits might emerge from improving bilateral relations. He also cited the historical tensions between the two countries, referencing “50 years of enmity,” and noted Pakistan’s wariness of India’s trade relationship with Bangladesh.
While Pakistan has historically maintained close ties with Jamaat-e-Islami, its relationship with the BNP has been more transactional. As a result, Tarique Rahman faces cautious scrutiny from Islamabad despite his party’s electoral mandate.
Representing Pakistan at the oath-taking ceremony will be Minister Ehsan Iqbal, as Sharif is reportedly occupied with pre-planned foreign visits. From India, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will attend. The BNP has also invited leaders from China, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, UAE, Qatar, Malaysia, Brunei, Sri Lanka, and Nepal.
In the recent Bangladeshi parliamentary elections, the BNP won 209 of 299 seats, while Jamaat-e-Islami secured 68 seats, becoming the country’s second-largest party.
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