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The MEA said that Birla’s participation “underscores the deep and enduring friendship between the peoples of India and Bangladesh”.
File photo of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. (Image: PTI)
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will represent India at the swearing-in ceremony of Bangladesh PM-elect and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chief Tarique Rahman in Dhaka on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement.
The MEA said that Birla’s participation “underscores the deep and enduring friendship between the peoples of India and Bangladesh”, reaffirming New Delhi’s commitment to the democratic values that bind the two nations.
“As neighbours united by a shared history, culture, and mutual respect, India welcomes Bangladesh’s transition to an elected government under the leadership of Tarique Rahman, whose vision and values have received an overwhelming mandate of the people,” it added.
The BNP is set to form the government after it registered a sweeping victory in the recently held parliamentary elections. Rahman, 60, is set to become the country’s first male head in 35 years.
Bangladesh has invited the heads of government from 13 countries–China, Saudi Arabia, India, Pakistan, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Malaysia, Brunei, Sri Lanka, Nepal, the Maldives, and Bhutan– to attend the oath-taking ceremony of the new cabinet.
The BNP’s invitation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi was viewed as Rahman’s bid to constructively engage with India to strengthen relations between India and Bangladesh.
After the poll results, PM Modi held a telephonic conversation with Rahman and congratulated him on his party’s sweeping victory in the country’s parliamentary elections.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), PM Modi said, “Delighted to speak with Mr. Tarique Rahman. I congratulated him on the remarkable victory in the Bangladesh elections. I conveyed my best wishes and support in his endeavour to fulfil the aspirations of the people of Bangladesh.”
Responding to PM Modi, the BNP said, “Thank you very much. We greatly appreciate your kind acknowledgement of Tarique Rahman’s leadership in securing the BNP’s decisive win in the national elections.”
“We look forward to engaging constructively with India to advance our multifaceted relationship, guided by mutual respect, sensitivity to each other’s concerns, and a shared commitment to peace, stability, and prosperity in our region,” the post added.
Bangladesh Election Results
The general election in Bangladesh- first since the political upheaval of July 2024 that ended former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s long tenure and forced her to flee the country- has handed a decisive mandate to the Tarique Rahman-led BNP.
Tarique Rahman’s political comeback marks a dramatic turn in Bangladesh’s turbulent political landscape. Often described by critics as the “dark prince” of Bangladeshi politics, the 60-year-old leader hails from one of the country’s most influential political families. He is the son of former President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia.
February 15, 2026, 16:15 IST
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