BNP plans to invite Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Tarique Rahman’s swearing-in as Bangladesh’s new prime minister after a landslide election victory, signaling a strategic regional reset and renewed focus on SAARC, BIMSTEC, and bilateral cooperation.
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is preparing to formally invite Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the swearing-in ceremony of party Chairman Tarique Rahman as Bangladesh’s next prime minister, following the party’s sweeping victory in the 13th national parliamentary elections.
The development was confirmed by Humayun Kabir, Foreign Policy Adviser to Tarique Rahman, during an interview with Indian news channel WION on February 14. Kabir described the proposed invitation as a “goodwill gesture” and a reflection of Tarique Rahman’s broader foreign policy vision centered on regional cooperation and strategic balance.
A Symbolic Regional Reset
According to Kabir, the region will play a central role in the new government’s diplomatic agenda. “Region is important to us. An important part of the foreign policy of Tarique Rahman is making this region an influential region,” he said, adding that invitations for the inauguration would reflect this priority.
The swearing-in ceremony is expected to take place in the coming days, with preparations underway for Tarique Rahman to formally assume office after 17 years in exile. His return to active political leadership marks a significant chapter in Bangladesh’s political landscape, particularly after the dramatic ouster of Sheikh Hasina and her Awami League government on August 5, 2024.
Political analysts view the invitation to Modi as a strategic diplomatic signal aimed at stabilizing and potentially strengthening Dhaka-New Delhi ties. India remains one of Bangladesh’s most critical neighbors in terms of trade, security cooperation, connectivity, and water-sharing agreements.
Focus on SAARC and BIMSTEC
Kabir emphasized that the incoming administration intends to pursue a balanced and inclusive regional strategy. 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) are expected to feature prominently in the government’s diplomatic outreach.
“The region must work collectively to enhance economic integration and geopolitical relevance,” Kabir noted, suggesting that renewed energy in regional groupings could elevate South Asia’s global standing.
Observers say the outreach aligns with a broader effort to present Bangladesh as a stabilizing force in South Asia while recalibrating foreign relations after a period of political turbulence.
International Reactions and India’s Response
The BNP’s decisive victory in the February 12 elections triggered a wave of international congratulatory messages. Prime Minister Narendra Modi reportedly reached out to Tarique Rahman via phone soon after the results were announced, congratulating him on what he termed a “remarkable victory” and reaffirming India’s support for a democratic and progressive Bangladesh.
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The conversation is seen as an early step toward diplomatic continuity despite the leadership transition. Analysts argue that both sides have strong incentives to maintain constructive engagement, particularly in areas such as cross-border trade, infrastructure connectivity, counterterrorism cooperation, and energy security.
As Bangladesh prepares for a new administration under Tarique Rahman, the proposed invitation to Modi underscores the BNP’s intent to prioritize regional diplomacy from the outset. Whether this gesture translates into deeper strategic alignment will likely depend on policy decisions taken in the weeks following the oath-taking ceremony.
