Global leaders on Tuesday attended the oath-taking ceremony of the new government led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, underscoring international interest in Bangladesh’s political transition.

President of Maldives, Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, Prime Minister of Bhutan, Tshering Tobgay, Speaker of the Indian parliament, Om Birla, Federal Minister for Planning, Development & Special Initiative of Pakistan, Ahsan Iqbal Chaudhary, Nepalese Foreign Minister, Bala Nanda Sharma, Sri Lankan Minister for Health and Mass Media, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister Berris Ekinci ; and the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Indo-Pacific) of UK Seema Malhotra represented their respective governments and countries in the ceremony.

Following the ceremony, the visiting leaders paid separate courtesy calls on the new Prime Minister.

The meetings were held in a warm and cordial atmosphere, reflecting the longstanding ties and close friendship between Bangladesh and those countries.

During the meetings, the leaders congratulated the Bangladesh Prime Minister for the huge electoral victory of his party and the democratic transition of Bangladesh.

During the discussions, Bangladesh Prime Minister and the visiting leaders reaffirmed their strong commitment to further strengthening and advancing bilateral relations based on mutual respect, shared interests, and the collective well-being of their peoples, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

They discussed renewed bilateral engagement in trade and investment, connectivity, energy, education, healthcare, climate change, migration, people-to-people contacts, and regional collaboration.

Visiting leaders from India, Nepal and Türkiye handed over congratulatory letters from their respective Heads of Government and invited the Prime Minister of Bangladesh to visit their countries at mutually convenient dates. Other leaders also extended similar invitations during the meetings.

The Prime Minister of Bangladesh expressed his deep appreciation and gratitude to all visiting dignitaries for attending the swearing-in ceremony and for their continued support and goodwill towards Bangladesh and her people.

He reaffirmed his sincere commitment to working closely with all partners in South Asia and beyond to further consolidate bilateral relations and to promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the region.

Stressing on the need for constructive engagements, the Bangladesh Prime Minister stated that “there is so much we can do together for the benefit of our peoples.”

The leaders congratulated the Prime Minister on his assumption of office and conveyed their best wishes for his successful tenure.

All the visiting leaders conveyed their governments’ readiness to work closely and have meaningful engagements with the new Government of Bangladesh for the welfare of their peoples.

Both sides expressed optimism that the renewed mandate would open new avenues for enhanced cooperation and partnership in the region and beyond.

Just two months after returning home from 17 years in exile in London, BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Tuesday assumed office as the 11th Prime Minister of Bangladesh following his party’s resounding victory in the national election.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin administered the oath at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad.

Tarique’s wife Dr Zubaida Rahman, their daughter Barrister Zaima Rahman and Syeda Shameela Rahman, the wife of his late younger brother Arafat Rahman Koko, were present when he was sworn in as Prime Minister.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, Advisers, the chiefs of the three services, foreign dignitaries and leaders of different political parties were present.