In a historic political shift, Tarique Rahman, Chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), was sworn in as the 11th Prime Minister of Bangladesh on Tuesday afternoon. The ceremony follows the 13th National Parliamentary Election held on February 12, where the BNP secured a commanding two-thirds majority, marking the party’s return to power after two decades.
The Swearing-In Ceremony
The oath of office was administered by President Mohammed Shahabuddin at the South Plaza of the National Parliament Building. In a departure from the traditional venue of Bangabhaban, the open-air ceremony was attended by thousands of supporters, foreign diplomats, and political leaders.
-
Administration: Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Gani conducted the ceremony.
-
Cabinet Formation: Alongside the Prime Minister, a 49-member cabinet—consisting of 25 ministers and 24 state ministers—was also inducted.
-
International Presence: Representatives from several nations, including India, Pakistan, and Turkey, were in attendance to witness the transition.
Path to the Premiership
The day began with the newly elected BNP lawmakers taking their own oaths at the Jatiya Sangsad. Shortly after, a parliamentary party meeting was convened where Tarique Rahman was officially elected as the Leader of the House, paving the way for his appointment as Prime Minister.
| Election Milestone | Details |
| Election Date | February 12, 2026 |
| Mandate | Landslide victory with over 212 seats (two-thirds majority) |
| Voter Turnout | Approximately 59.4% |
| Predecessor | Interim Government led by Nobel Laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus |
A New Chapter for Bangladesh
The victory ends a long period of political exile for the BNP and marks the first time in 36 years that a male Prime Minister has led the country. In his initial address, Prime Minister Rahman emphasized national unity and the rule of law, promising to tackle the country’s economic challenges and restore democratic institutions.
The transition follows the 2024 mass uprising that led to the resignation of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, whose party, the Awami League, was barred from contesting this election.
