Foreign dignitaries from several countries are expected to attend the swearing-in ceremony of the newly elected government on Tuesday, marking a significant political moment as the new administration prepares to assume office.
According to official sources, the oath-taking of newly elected Members of Parliament will be held at 10am, while the swearing-in of the new cabinet is scheduled for 4pm at the South Plaza of the parliament complex.
In a departure from longstanding tradition, the swearing-in ceremony will not take place at Bangabhaban, the official presidential residence, where such events have historically been held.
The government has invited more than a dozen heads of government. Several countries have already confirmed or indicated their intention to send high-level delegations, reflecting strong international interest in Bangladesh’s political transition following the recent parliamentary election.
Initially, there had been expectations that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi would attend. However, officials later confirmed that scheduling constraints would prevent him from travelling to Dhaka.
Among the foreign dignitaries expected to attend are Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, India’s Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Nepal’s Foreign Minister Bala Nanda Sharma, Sri Lanka’s Health and Mass Media Minister Nalinda Jayatissa, and Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal.
Modi not attending
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not attend the swearing-in ceremony of Bangladesh’s Prime Minister-elect Tarique Rahman. Instead, India will be represented by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri.
Indian officials said Modi was unable to travel due to prior domestic and diplomatic commitments. French President Emmanuel Macron is scheduled to visit India on 17 February, with bilateral discussions between the two leaders planned in Mumbai on Tuesday, making it difficult for Modi to attend the Dhaka event.
The development comes as Bangladesh undergoes a significant political transition following the landslide victory of BNP in the parliamentary election. After the results were announced, Modi and Tarique held a telephone conversation, signalling continued diplomatic engagement between the two neighbours.
An official from India’s Ministry of External Affairs said the participation of the Lok Sabha Speaker reflects the “deep and enduring friendship” between the peoples of India and Bangladesh and reaffirmed India’s commitment to shared democratic values.
The formal invitation to attend the inauguration ceremony was conveyed through diplomatic channels on Saturday by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus.
Foreign ministry prepares for new minister
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is preparing to welcome the incoming foreign minister while arranging a formal farewell for outgoing Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain today.
A senior official said briefing materials are being prepared by different wings of the ministry to help the new foreign minister assume responsibilities swiftly and address key diplomatic priorities.
“We are preparing detailed briefs from various divisions of the ministry for the incoming minister,” the official said.
Asked about the strong foreign participation at the swearing-in ceremony, the official noted that geographical proximity was a key factor.
“Neighbourhood and proximity are major factors. South Asian leaders responded promptly as they can reach Dhaka within a few hours,” he said.
The presence of foreign dignitaries is being viewed as a diplomatic signal of continued international engagement as the new government prepares to begin its term amid expectations of political stability, stronger regional cooperation and renewed foreign policy initiatives.
