The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) plans to invite Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the upcoming swearing-in ceremony of its Chairman Tarique Rahman as Bangladesh’s new prime minister, following the party’s landslide victory in the 13th National Parliamentary Election.
Foreign Policy Adviser to Tarique Rahman Humayun Kabir disclosed the matter in an interview with Indian news channel WION on Saturday.
He said the gesture reflects the regional and diplomatic priorities of the incoming government.
“The region is important to us. Extending an invitation is part of Tarique Rahman’s foreign policy vision - making the region more influential and fostering goodwill,” Humayun Kabir said.
“Invitations are a signal of expectations, a gesture of friendship and cooperation,” he added.
The BNP leadership is also preparing for a balanced regional approach, Humayun Kabir noted, highlighting multilateral platforms such as the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) as avenues for collaboration.
The swearing-in ceremony is expected to take place soon, marking Tarique Rahman’s return to power after 17 years in exile. His ascendancy comes after the BNP’s decisive win in the 12 February election.
Humayun Kabir added that the invitation to Prime Minister Modi is part of a broader effort to strengthen bilateral ties. “It is a goodwill gesture aimed at improving relations and fostering cooperation between the two countries,” he said.
India has already extended congratulations to Tarique Rahman, with Prime Minister Modi calling to commend him on the “remarkable victory” and reaffirm India’s support for a democratic and progressive Bangladesh.
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