LS Speaker Om Birla to represent India at Tarique Rahman's swearing-in

India Sends Lok Sabha Speaker to Bangladesh's Key Ceremony

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla is set to represent India at the swearing-in ceremony of Bangladesh Prime Minister-elect Tarique Rahman in Dhaka on February 17, 2026.

This high-profile event marks a significant moment in India-Bangladesh relations, coming soon after the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by Rahman, secured a landslide victory in the parliamentary elections held on February 12.

The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed Birla's participation, highlighting it as a gesture that underscores the deep friendship between the two nations.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Lok Sabha Secretary General Utpal Singh will accompany him, forming a notable delegation to witness the oath-taking at the Southern Plaza of the Bangladesh Parliament House.

Background of Bangladesh's Political Shift

Tarique Rahman, the 60-year-old chairman of the BNP, is poised to become Bangladesh's first male prime minister in 35 years following his party's overwhelming mandate, winning 212 out of 299 contested seats.

This transition follows the ouster of former Premier Sheikh Hasina in August 2024 through a student-led uprising, after which an interim government led by Muhammad Yunus took over until the recent polls.

Rahman himself made a dramatic return to Bangladesh in December after 17 years in exile in Britain, navigating the country's turbulent politics to lead his party to triumph.

The ceremony, where Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin will administer the oath, invites heads of government from 13 nations, including India, China, Pakistan, and several SAARC members, reflecting Bangladesh's intent to bolster regional diplomacy.

Bangladesh extended a formal invitation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, viewing it as a step to engage constructively with New Delhi.

However, Modi will be unable to attend due to prior commitments, including bilateral talks with French President Emmanuel Macron in Mumbai and the India-AI Impact Summit 2026.

In the official order of precedence, the Lok Sabha Speaker ranks just after the Prime Minister and Chief Justice of India, making Birla a fitting representative for this occasion.

Diplomatic Signals and Opposition Reactions

The MEA emphasized that Birla's presence reaffirms India's commitment to democratic values shared by both countries, bound by history, culture, and mutual respect.

the ministry stated.

As neighbours united by a shared history, culture, and mutual respect, India welcomes 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,

Modi was among the first to congratulate Rahman, expressing eagerness to collaborate with the new Dhaka government.

The BNP responded positively, appreciating the gesture and pledging constructive engagement for peace, stability, and prosperity in the region.

Not everyone views the visit through an entirely positive lens.

Congress leader Akhilesh Prasad Singh criticized it sharply, suggesting Birla's trip is a "reward" from the central government for previously silencing Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi in the Lok Sabha.

Singh also urged India to address concerns over atrocities against minority Hindus in Bangladesh during the visit.

These remarks highlight domestic political tensions in India amid the international goodwill gesture.

The event carries weight beyond symbolism, potentially paving the way for renewed cooperation on trade, security, and border issues that have defined India-Bangladesh ties.

With Birla's attendance, India signals continuity in supporting democratic processes in its neighborhood, even as Bangladesh navigates its post-Hasina era.

In summary, Om Birla's representation of India at Tarique Rahman's swearing-in underscores enduring bilateral friendship and democratic solidarity, despite some political critique at home, as Bangladesh embarks on a new chapter under BNP leadership.