Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chief Tarique Rahman took the oath of office as Bangladesh’s prime minister on Tuesday, ushering in a major political transition following his party’s sweeping win in the parliamentary elections.
The 60-year-old leader, son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and late President Ziaur Rahman, assumes power at a critical time. His government faces the immediate tasks of restoring political stability, reviving investor trust, and rebuilding key sectors such as the garment industry after prolonged unrest triggered by the 2024 Gen Z-led uprising that removed Sheikh Hasina from office.
During the transitional phase, an interim administration headed by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus governed the country until elections were held.
In a break from convention, the oath-taking ceremony was organised outdoors at the South Plaza of Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban rather than at the presidential residence, Bangabhaban. President Mohammed Shahabuddin administered the oath to Rahman and his cabinet in the presence of senior political leaders, diplomats, military officials, and foreign representatives, including delegates from China, India, and Pakistan.
The BNP secured a dominant two-thirds majority, marking its return to power after nearly 20 years. Jamaat-i-Islami, contesting elections after a 2013 ban was lifted, achieved its strongest-ever performance with 68 seats. Meanwhile, the Awami League, led by Hasina, was barred from contesting after its registration was cancelled.
Jamaat and allied groups, including the National Citizen Party formed by youth leaders involved in the 2024 movement, are set to occupy opposition benches.
Rahman’s political comeback concludes a long and controversial journey. After spending 17 years in self-imposed exile in London, he returned to Bangladesh last year shortly before his mother’s passing. Though critics have raised corruption allegations — which he denies — his return reinvigorated BNP supporters and reshaped the electoral landscape.
In his first address following the election, Rahman stressed the importance of maintaining order. “Peace and law and order must be ensured at all costs,” he said, urging supporters to avoid acts of revenge and warning against any form of unrest.
Members of parliament were also sworn in earlier by Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin, becoming the first elected representatives since the deadly 2024 uprising.
The BNP-led alliance captured 212 seats, while the Jamaat-led bloc secured 77. Despite challenging results in 32 constituencies, Jamaat leader Shafiqur Rahman pledged to act as a “principled and peaceful opposition.”
Only seven women won direct seats, though an additional 50 reserved seats for women will be distributed proportionally. Four minority candidates, including two Hindus, were elected in the Muslim-majority country.
Despite concerns ahead of polling, election day remained largely peaceful, and public reaction to the outcome has been relatively calm.
Regional analyst Thomas Kean noted that economic recovery would be central to the new government’s success, saying a stable economy would help address broader national challenges.
Pakistan Extends Congratulations
Following the inauguration, Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari congratulated Rahman and the BNP on their decisive victory, praising the interim administration for ensuring a peaceful and fair electoral process. He expressed hope for stronger bilateral ties and enhanced regional peace.
Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, who attended the ceremony in Dhaka, conveyed greetings on behalf of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and emphasised the importance of strengthening economic cooperation, connectivity, and trade between the two countries.
Iqbal also met Muhammad Yunus and welcomed the successful democratic transition, highlighting opportunities for collaboration in youth development, innovation, and sustainable growth.
He stressed that Pakistan and Bangladesh share deep historical and cultural connections and that both nations should transform these ties into structured economic partnerships and regional cooperation to promote stability and prosperity across South Asia.
