United News of Bangladesh

Inviting Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and his family to visit India, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said Bangladesh and India can truly become catalysts for each other's sustainable growth, work for each other's security and enable mutual prosperity as two fast-growing economies and aspiring societies. “I look forward to working closely with you to strengthen our multifaceted bilateral relations, enhance regional cooperation, and advance our common goals in wide-ranging areas of connectivity, trade, technology, education, skill development, energy, healthcare, as well as cultural and people-to-people exchanges,” he said in a letter that was handed over to Prime Minister Tarique on Tuesday. Tarique Rahman: From London exile to Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Speaker of the Indian Lok Sabha Om Birla represented the government of India at the swearing-in ceremony of the newly elected government of Bangladesh led by Tarique Rahman, Chairman of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri accompanied the Speaker.

Prime Minister of Japan Takaichi Sanae on Tuesday congratulated Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, and said she looks forward to working with her Bangladesh counterpart to strengthen the “strategic partnership” between the two countries. In her letter to Prime Minister Tarique, Prime Minister Takaichi extended her congratulations on Prime Minister Rahman’s assumption in office as Prime Minister. She also welcomed the further promotion of democratic effort in Bangladesh and expressed that she looks forward to working with Prime Minister Rahman to further develop the bilateral relations based on the “strategic partnership” between the two countries. Tarique Rahman sworn in as Prime Minister BNP Chairman was sworn in as the 11th Prime Minister of Bangladesh on Tuesday. President Mohammed Shahabuddin administered the oath at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad.

Congratulating Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, Chinese Premier of the State Council Li Qiang Li on Tuesday said he stands ready to work with the Prime Minister to carry forward the long-standing friendship, enhance high-quality Belt and Road cooperation. He laid emphasis on continued exchanges in all sectors, elevating the Bangladesh-China Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership to a new level, so as to bring more benefit to the two peoples. Li Qiang wrote in the message that China and Bangladesh are neighbors enjoying long-standing friendship and Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partners. “Friendly ties between the two countries go back a long way,” he said, adding that over the past 51 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties, Bangladesh and China have always respected and treated each other as equals, pursued mutually beneficial cooperation and win-win results, setting a fine example of exchanges between countries. He said the Chinese government supports the new Bangladeshi government in exercising smooth governance. BNP Chairman Tarique was sworn in as the country’s new Prime Minister on Tuesday afternoon. President Mohammed Shahabuddin administered him the oath at the South Plaza of Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban around 4:15pm. Earlier in the day, BNP Parliamentary Party at a meeting at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban elected Tarique Rahman as leader of the party’s parliamentary party.

Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay paid a courtesy call on Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna on Tuesday. During the meeting, Tobgay thanked the Chief Adviser for holding a free, fair, peaceful and credible election at a critical time, said the Chief Adviser’s press wing. Tobgay arrived in Dhaka earlier in the afternoon to attend the swearing-in ceremony of the new cabinet led by Tarique Rahman. Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain received him at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.

Dhaka, Feb 17 (UNB) - Speaker of the Indian Lok Sabha Om Birla arrived in Dhaka on Tuesday represented the government of India at the swearing-in ceremony of the newly elected government of Bangladesh led by Tarique Rahman, Chairman of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri accompanied the Speaker. BNP Chairman Tarique was sworn in as the country’s new Prime Minister on Tuesday afternoon. President Mohammed Shahabuddin administered the oath at the South Plaza of Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban around 4:15pm. Tarique Rahman sworn in as Prime Minister Earlier in the day, BNP Parliamentary Party at a meeting at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban elected Tarique Rahman as leader of the party’s parliamentary party. The Indian Air Force special aircraft carrying the Indian delegation landed at the Bangladesh Air Force airbase in Dhaka, a senior official told UNB. Bangladesh Ministry of Foreign Affairs Secretary Dr Md Nazrul Islam, Indian High Commissioner in Bangladesh Pranay Verma and Bangladesh High Commissioner to India Md Riaz Hamidullah received the delegation. The Speaker’s participation in this ‘important event’ underscores the deep and enduring friendship between the peoples of Bangladesh and India, reaffirming India's steadfast commitment to the democratic values that bind the two nations, said the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Sunday. As neighbours united by a shared history, culture, and mutual respect, India welcomed Bangladesh's transition to an elected government under the leadership of Tarique Rahman, whose vision and values have received an overwhelming mandate of the people, the MEA said in a statement. Earlier, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus invited Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the swearing-in ceremony as BNP is set to form the government with a landslide victory against an alliance led by Jamaat-NCP. The Indian Prime Minister was one of the global leaders who congratulated BNP first. BNP MPs-elect take oath as members of parliament He spoke with the BNP chief over the phone and extended support in his endeavour to fulfill the aspirations of the people of Bangladesh. "Delighted to speak with Tarique Rahman. I congratulated him on the remarkable victory in the Bangladesh elections," PM Modi said. He conveyed his best wishes and support in his endeavour to fulfill the aspirations of the people of Bangladesh. "As two close neighbours with deep-rooted historical and cultural ties, I reaffirmed India’s continued commitment to the peace, progress, and prosperity of both our peoples," said the Indian Prime Minister. In a separate message through his X handle, PM Modi conveyed his warm congratulations to Tarique Rahman on leading BNP to a decisive victory in the Parliamentary elections in Bangladesh. "This victory shows the trust of the people of Bangladesh in your leadership," PM Modi said. India will continue to stand in support of a democratic, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh, he said. "I look forward to working with you to strengthen our multifaceted relations and advance our common development goals," PM Modi said. The new cabinet members of Bangladesh’s incoming government will be sworn in at 4pm on Tuesday at the South Plaza of Parliament, with President Mohammed Shahabuddin administering the oath. Leaders of other South Asian countries will also join the swearing-in ceremony. Ready to work with PM Tarique to enhance Dhaka-Beijing cooperation: Chinese PM

British Minister Seema Malhotra will attend the swearing-in ceremony of the newly elected government of Bangladesh later today. She paid a courtesy call on Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna on Tuesday. British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke and Senior Secretary for SDGs Affairs Lamiya Morshed were, among others, present on the occasion. Seema Malhotra MP was appointed Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Minister for Equalities) in the Department for Education on 8 October 2024 and Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office on 6 September 2025. She was previously Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in the Home Office between 8 October 2024 to 6 September 2025. She was elected as the MP for Feltham and Heston in the general election of July 2024.

Prime Minister of Singapore Lawrence Wong has congratulated Tarique Rahman who is set to become Prime Minister of Bangladesh. "Congratulations to Tarique Raman on securing a strong mandate in Bangladesh’s general election," said the Prime Minister of Singapore and Minister for Finance. In a message from his verified social media handle X on Tuesday, the Prime Minister said this outcome reflects the confidence of the Bangladeshi people in Tarique Rahman's leadership. "I look forward to working closely with you to further strengthen Singapore-Bangladesh ties," Prime Minister Wong said. The newly elected members of parliament (MPs) of BNP took the oath of office at Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban on Tuesday morning.

Ahsan Iqbal Chaudhary, Pakistan’s Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, paid a courtesy call on Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday. The Pakistan Planning Minister met the Chief Adviser at the State Guest House Jamuna, according to CA’s press wing. Maldives President Muizzu arrives in Dhaka During the meeting, the two sides discussed issues of mutual interest.

President of the Maldives Dr Mohamed Muizzu arrived in Dhaka on Tuesday morning to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Bangladesh’s new cabinet. Foreign Adviser M Touhid Hossain received the Maldivian President at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. Diplomatic relations between the Maldives and Bangladesh were established on 22 September 1978. Dr Muizzu is the 8th President of the Republic of the Maldives.  He earlier congratulated BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s remarkable victory in the 13th national parliamentary elections held on February 12. Commercial engagements with Bangladesh to expand: Maldives President The President of the Maldives extended his warm regards and said he looks forward to working closely together, to further advance and deepen the longstanding friendship and cooperation between the Maldives and Bangladesh.  "I am confident that our partnership will continue to grow in scope and strength in the years ahead," said the President of Maldives.

President of the Republic of the Maldives Dr Mohamed Muizzu will meet newly elected Prime Minister Tarique Rahman after attending his swearing-in ceremony on Tuesday.  The President is paying an official visit to Bangladesh at the invitation of Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus to attend the oath-taking ceremony of the new Bangladesh government. "The visit will take place from February 16 to 18," said the President's office. Diplomatic relations between the Maldives and Bangladesh were established on 22 September 1978. Foreign Minister Dr Abdulla Khaleel will accompany the President at the swearing-in ceremony, a senior official told UNB.  Dr Muizzu id 8th President of the Republic of the Maldives.  He earlier congratulated BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s remarkable victory in the 13th national parliamentary elections held on February 12. The President of the Maldives extended his warm regards and said he looks forward to working closely together, to further advance and deepen the longstanding friendship and cooperation between the Maldives and Bangladesh.  "I am confident that our partnership will continue to grow in scope and strength in the years ahead," said the President of Maldives.