NEW DELHI: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will represent India at the swearing-in ceremony of the newly elected govt of Bangladesh led by Tarique Rahman, chairman of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), in Dhaka on Feb 17. Foreign secretary Vikram Misri will accompany him, according to official sources.BNP had invited PM Narendra Modi for the oath ceremony, along with the leaders of a dozen other countries, including Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif. However, there was never any question of the PM travelling as the date and even the time of the swearing-in was clashing with his bilateral meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron in Mumbai that was scheduled weeks in advance.The foreign ministry said Birla’s participation at this “important event” underscored 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.“As neighbours united by a shared history, culture, and mutual respect, India welcomes Bangladesh’s transition to an elected govt under the leadership of Tarique Rahman, whose vision and values have received an overwhelming mandate of the people,” MEA said in a statement. Modi was among the first global leaders to congratulate Rahman on X on Friday morning, shortly after it became evident the BNP leader was going to form the new govt with absolute majority. Modi said the results reflected the trust that the Bangladesh people had in Rahman’s leadership. Later in the day, he also became the first foreign leader to speak to Rahman and offer cooperation with him in his efforts to fulfil the aspirations of the people of Bangladesh.Importantly for India, BNP responded positively to Modi’s messages as it said Bangladesh remained committed to upholding democratic values, inclusivity, and progressive development for all its citizens.“We look forward to engaging constructively with India to advance our multifaceted relationship, guided by mutual respect, sensitivity to each other’s concerns, and a shared commitment to peace, stability, and prosperity in our region,” said the party.
