DHAKA: Tarique Rahman was officially sworn in as the new Prime Minister of Bangladesh on February 17, following a landslide victory in the recent general elections. His party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), clinched 209 out of 297 parliamentary seats, dramatically outpacing the right-wing Jamaat-e-Islami, which managed to secure 68. The swearing-in ceremony, scheduled for 4:00 PM at the South Plaza of the Parliament Complex, was notable for its departure from tradition, as it took place away from the official presidential residence, Bangabhaban.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin conducted the oath-taking ceremony for Rahman, who has had a storied yet turbulent political journey, being the son of former President Ziaur Rahman and the late Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. Rahman’s ascension to the premiership marks a significant moment in the country’s history, set against the backdrop of the Awami League's exclusion from the elections.

In attendance, representing India, was Om Birla, Speaker of the Lok Sabha, joined by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Lok Sabha Secretary-General Utpal Kumar Singh. Their presence underscores the importance of international relationships amidst a delicate political transition in Bangladesh. Notably, tensions had heightened during the interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, during which Indian-Bangladeshi relations were strained.

The Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasiruddin administered the oath to all newly elected Members of Parliament earlier in the day. Following this, the BNP is expected to convene a parliamentary party meeting to confirm Rahman as their formal leader. A challenge looms, however, as opposition party Jamaat-e-Islami, representing a coalition of 11 parties, has threatened non-participation in the new parliamentary process unless their conditions regarding taking oaths are met.

As Bangladesh embraces a new chapter under Rahman’s leadership, both domestic and international observers are keenly watching how his government will navigate the complexities of governance and foreign relations.