Tarique Rahman Set to Become Bangladesh Prime Minister After BNP's Electoral Triumph
In a significant political shift, Tarique Rahman, the chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), is scheduled to take oath as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh on Tuesday. This ceremony will also include the swearing-in of newly elected Members of Parliament, marking a new era following the ouster of Sheikh Hasina in 2024.
BNP's Landslide Victory and Electoral Details
Rahman, who is the son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, led the BNP to a decisive victory in the general elections held on February 12. This win came after his return from a 17-year exile, signaling a major comeback in Bangladeshi politics. According to the Bangladesh Election Commission, the BNP secured more than 151 seats in the 300-member parliament. Furthermore, the BNP-led alliance achieved a commanding majority with 212 seats.
In a notable development, Jamaat-e-Islami, which contested the elections separately after previously being allied with the BNP, emerged as the second-largest party with 77 seats. Meanwhile, the Awami League, led by Sheikh Hasina, was barred from participating in the polls, adding to the political upheaval.
Oath-Taking Ceremony and International Representation
Elected BNP MP Rashiduzzaman Millat provided details about the upcoming ceremonies. He stated, "The oath-taking ceremony for the parliament members will be held at 9:30 am at our parliament bhawan. At 4.00 pm, there will be another session for the ministerial oath." Millat also clarified that Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India and the Prime Minister of Pakistan will not be attending the event.
India will be represented at the ceremony by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, as confirmed by the Ministry of External Affairs. In a statement, the MEA emphasized, "The Speaker's participation at this important event underscores the deep and enduring friendship between the peoples of India and Bangladesh, reaffirming India's steadfast commitment to the democratic values that bind the two nations." This highlights the diplomatic significance of the occasion.
Uncertainty Over Constitutional Reform Council
Amid the preparations for the oath-taking, uncertainty looms regarding whether elected MPs will be required to take a second oath as members of a proposed constitutional reform council. This issue has been reported by Prothom Alo, raising questions about the immediate formation of such a council to implement proposals under the July National Charter.
Sources within the BNP have indicated to Prothom Alo that the party favors adherence to the existing constitution. They argue that the current constitution provides only for the swearing-in of MPs and does not mention any constitutional reform council. These sources have questioned the legal basis of the July National Charter Implementation Order from the outset, suggesting that any additional oath would require constitutional incorporation.
This development adds a layer of complexity to the political transition, as stakeholders navigate the balance between electoral mandates and potential constitutional changes.
