Bangladesh is preparing for a major political transition as Bangladesh Prime Minister-elect Tarique Rahman is set to take oath on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at the National Parliament in Dhaka. The Tarique Rahman Swearing-In Ceremony is expected to be attended by top political leaders, diplomats, and representatives from multiple countries, including India, as the region closely watches the future direction of India-Bangladesh relations.
The event comes just days after the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) secured a sweeping victory in the February 12 national elections, marking a major shift in Bangladesh’s political landscape. With Tarique Rahman set to assume office, political analysts believe the upcoming government could bring significant changes to Dhaka’s domestic policy as well as its foreign relations, particularly with India.
India Sends High-Level Delegation, PM Modi to Skip Ceremony
According to diplomatic sources, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was formally invited to attend the swearing-in ceremony. However, PM Modi will not be travelling to Dhaka due to a packed schedule involving key international and domestic engagements.
Instead, India will be represented by a senior delegation led by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. Their presence is being viewed as an important signal that New Delhi intends to maintain strong engagement with Bangladesh during this political transition.
India’s decision to send high-ranking representatives indicates that the Modi government wants to keep bilateral communication open and stable, even as Bangladesh experiences a major leadership change.
Diplomatic observers say the participation of Om Birla, who holds one of the highest constitutional posts in India, adds weight to India’s representation at the ceremony. Meanwhile, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri’s presence highlights the strategic importance of Bangladesh for India’s regional diplomacy.
Why PM Modi Is Not Attending: Macron Visit and AI Summit
The Prime Minister’s absence is primarily linked to his high-level commitments in India during the same period.
PM Modi is scheduled to host French President Emmanuel Macron for crucial bilateral discussions in Mumbai, focusing on defence cooperation, trade, technology partnerships, and geopolitical issues. The India-France relationship has gained strategic momentum in recent years, particularly in defence procurement, Indo-Pacific cooperation, and joint innovation projects.
In addition to this, PM Modi is also set to chair the upcoming AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, a key event focusing on artificial intelligence development, global regulation, innovation, and digital security. The summit is expected to attract international leaders, technology executives, and policymakers.
Given the importance of both engagements, Indian officials decided that the Prime Minister would remain in the country, while India’s delegation would ensure diplomatic representation in Dhaka.
Tarique Rahman’s Victory Marks Major Shift in Bangladesh Politics
The swearing-in follows the BNP’s major win in the February 12 elections. The results are being described as a decisive mandate for change, as the BNP secured enough seats to form a strong government without significant coalition dependency.
Tarique Rahman, widely regarded as one of the most influential political figures in Bangladesh, is expected to prioritize governance reforms, economic development, and stronger international outreach once he assumes office.
The BNP’s return to power has triggered widespread discussions about how Bangladesh’s domestic priorities could evolve and how its foreign policy might be rebalanced in the coming months.
Political analysts believe the swearing-in ceremony will be closely watched not just in South Asia, but also by global powers interested in Bangladesh’s strategic location, trade routes, and economic potential.
India-Bangladesh Relations May Enter a New Phase
The leadership transition in Bangladesh has raised expectations of a potential “reset” in India-Bangladesh relations.
Notably, PM Modi reportedly spoke with Tarique Rahman on February 13, soon after the election results, to congratulate him on the victory. This phone call is being viewed as an early diplomatic gesture aimed at building trust and setting the stage for future cooperation.
India and Bangladesh share a strong relationship based on geography, history, trade, and cultural ties. Over the years, both countries have worked closely on border security, energy cooperation, infrastructure connectivity, and counter-terrorism coordination.
However, with a new government coming into power, there is growing interest in how key issues such as water-sharing agreements, cross-border trade, and regional security partnerships will be handled.
Diplomatic experts say the presence of India’s official delegation at the swearing-in ceremony could help establish early dialogue and ensure smooth communication between the two governments.
Strategic Importance of Bangladesh for India
Bangladesh remains one of India’s most critical neighbours, not only due to its long border with India but also because of its role in regional connectivity projects.
Bangladesh serves as a key link for India’s North-East region, with multiple road, rail, and port connectivity initiatives being developed to improve trade and logistics.
Additionally, Bangladesh plays an important role in Bay of Bengal geopolitics, where global powers have increased their presence due to growing competition in the Indo-Pacific region.
Experts believe that both India and Bangladesh will need to strengthen cooperation in trade, technology, and security to maintain stability and growth in South Asia.
Swearing-In Ceremony Expected to Attract Global Attention
The swearing-in ceremony on February 17 is expected to be a high-profile event. Multiple diplomatic missions are likely to attend, as global leaders and international organizations watch Bangladesh’s political transition.
For India, the ceremony is more than a symbolic event—it is a diplomatic opportunity to strengthen ties with Bangladesh’s new leadership at an early stage.
Observers also believe the meeting between Indian representatives and the incoming Bangladeshi government could pave the way for future bilateral visits, trade talks, and strategic discussions.
Conclusion: A Key Moment for Regional Diplomacy
The upcoming oath-taking ceremony of Prime Minister-elect Tarique Rahman is shaping up to be a major moment in Bangladesh’s political history. While PM Modi will remain in India due to his engagements with French President Emmanuel Macron and the AI Impact Summit, India’s representation through Om Birla and Vikram Misri ensures that New Delhi continues to show strong diplomatic support.
As Bangladesh begins a new political chapter, the coming weeks will reveal whether India and Bangladesh can use this transition to strengthen cooperation and move toward a more stable and mutually beneficial relationship.