BNP to Invite Modi to Tarique’s Swearing-In

Dhaka, 18 February – Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has confirmed plans to extend an invitation to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the swearing-in ceremony of the newly elected government led by Tarique Rahman, following the party’s decisive victory in the recent national parliamentary elections. The announcement was made in an interview with the Indian news outlet WION by BNP Chairman’s foreign policy adviser Humayun Kabir.

According to the report, the initiative to invite Prime Minister Modi signals an intent to foster closer bilateral ties and strengthen diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and India. “This region is extremely significant for us,” Humayun Kabir told WION. “A key element of Tarique Rahman’s foreign policy is to establish South Asia as a region of influence. Inviting leaders to the swearing-in ceremony is a priority for us. Although time is short, the gesture carries an important message of goodwill and friendship.”

Humayun Kabir further emphasised that the invitation is expected to contribute to improved bilateral relations. “The new government aims to pursue a balanced approach to regional cooperation,” he stated. He added that Bangladesh intends to make effective use of regional platforms such as the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) to promote closer economic, technical, and security collaboration with neighbouring countries.

Prior to this, following BNP’s electoral victory, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reportedly contacted Tarique Rahman by phone to congratulate him on the party’s success. During the call, Modi expressed India’s support for a democratic and progressive Bangladesh, signalling a positive tone for the new government’s diplomatic outreach. Analysts suggest that these early communications indicate a willingness on both sides to pursue constructive engagement in the upcoming term.

The following table summarises the key aspects of the recent electoral outcome and subsequent diplomatic initiatives:

Humayun Kabir stressed that the new government views these diplomatic gestures not only as formalities but as strategic opportunities to consolidate Bangladesh’s role in South Asia. By prioritising engagement with key regional actors, the government hopes to foster stability, economic growth, and mutual understanding within the subcontinent.

As the swearing-in ceremony approaches, officials indicate that final arrangements for inviting foreign dignitaries are underway. The initiative is seen as a strong signal of Bangladesh’s commitment to proactive regional diplomacy and sustained bilateral collaboration with India and other South Asian partners.