South Asia

Tarique Rahman assumes role as Bangladesh's new PM amid historic ceremony

Published: 15:15, 17 February 2026

After years of exile and a turbulent political journey Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader Tarique Rahman has now assumed office as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh.

Rahman’s ascent to power follows a sweeping victory in last week’s general election, the first national vote since the July 2024 uprising that led to the fall of the Awami League government headed by Sheikh Hasina. The BNP secured 212 seats in the 300-member parliament, comfortably surpassing the 151 required for a majority. An alliance led by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami won 77 seats, emerging as the main opposition bloc.
The swearing-in ceremony took place at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, symbolising a fresh chapter in the country’s political trajectory. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir had earlier confirmed that Rahman would assume the premiership if the party won, clearing the path for his leadership.
Born in 1967 in Dhaka, then part of East Pakistan, Rahman is the eldest son of former prime minister Khaleda Zia and former president Ziaur Rahman, who was assassinated in 1981. His political career has been marked by legal battles and years spent abroad, making his return to frontline politics a dramatic development in Bangladesh’s history.
Regional leaders attend ceremony
The inauguration drew high-level representation from across South Asia, underlining Bangladesh’s regional significance.
Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu attended in person, while Bhutan was represented by Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay. India sent Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, signalling New Delhi’s support for the democratic transition.
Pakistan’s Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal Chaudhary, Nepal’s Foreign Minister Bala Nanda Sharma, and Sri Lanka’s Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa also participated.
Diplomats said the strong regional turnout reflects expectations that the new government will prioritise economic recovery, democratic consolidation and balanced foreign relations in a rapidly shifting South Asian landscape.