BNP Leader Calls for PM Modi's Invitation to Bangladesh Swearing-in Ceremony
A senior leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) stated on Saturday that Prime Minister Narendra Modi should be invited to Dhaka as BNP chief Tarique Rahman prepares to assume office as Bangladesh's next Prime Minister. This follows the party's decisive victory in the general elections held on February 12.
Diplomatic Outreach and Foreign Policy Vision
BNP leader ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milan expressed optimism that South Asian leaders, including PM Modi, would receive invitations to the upcoming swearing-in ceremony. Speaking to reporters in Dhaka after the party's electoral triumph, Milan emphasized the importance of international courtesy and engagement.
"I don't know exactly what they're doing, but hopefully they'll invite everyone. I don't know exactly, but he (PM Modi) should be invited. It's general courtesy. The organizers will do it. I hope the whole world will be with us," Milan remarked.
Outlining the party's broader foreign policy approach, Milan added the principle of "friends to all, malice to none." This statement reflects the BNP's intent to foster positive international relations as it returns to power after nearly two decades.
Election Results and Government Formation
The BNP secured a landslide victory in the 13th national parliament elections, marking a significant political shift. According to the Election Commission, results for 297 seats have been declared, with BNP candidates winning 209 seats. The party is also leading in two constituencies where results are currently suspended.
- BNP allies have secured three additional seats, bringing the BNP-led alliance's total to 212 seats.
- Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has won 68 seats, while its allies in the 11-party alliance have secured nine more, totaling 77 seats.
The Election Commission has issued the official gazette notification for the elected Members of Parliament, as reported by Prothom Alo. Preparations for the formation of the new government are now actively underway.
Swearing-in Ceremony Details and Timeline
The oath-taking ceremony is scheduled to be held at Bangabhaban and will be administered by President Mohammed Shahabuddin, in accordance with constitutional provisions. Cabinet Secretary Sheikh Abdur Rashid indicated that the ceremony could take place within the next three to four days, with all necessary arrangements completed.
"We hope the oath-taking ceremony will be held within the next three days, or at most four days. Preparations were complete and the ceremony could be held even sooner if required," Rashid stated.
Officials have made arrangements to host approximately 1,000 guests at the ceremony, highlighting the event's significance and scale.
India's Diplomatic Response and Bilateral Relations
These developments coincide with warm diplomatic outreach from New Delhi. On Friday, Prime Minister Modi congratulated Tarique Rahman on the BNP's electoral victory and reaffirmed India's commitment to strengthening bilateral ties.
In a post on X, Prime Minister Modi expressed, "Delighted to speak with Mr. Tarique Rahman. I congratulated him on the remarkable victory in the Bangladesh elections. I conveyed my best wishes and support in his endeavour to fulfil 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."
This exchange underscores the ongoing diplomatic engagement between the two nations as Bangladesh transitions to a new government under BNP leadership.
