BNP chairman Tarique Rahman (AP photo)
A senior leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party on Saturday said 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 following the party’s landslide victory in the general elections.BNP leader ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milan expressed hope that South Asian leaders, including PM Modi, would be invited to the swearing-in ceremony. Speaking to reporters in Dhaka after the party’s victory, he said, “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 organisers will do it. I hope the whole world will be with us.”Highlighting the party’s broader foreign policy approach, Milan added, “friends to all, malice to none.”His remarks come as the BNP prepares to form the next government after securing a decisive mandate in the 13th national parliament elections held on February 12. The result marks the party’s return to power after nearly two decades, with Tarique Rahman set to take office as Prime Minister, in line with the party’s earlier announcement. According to the Election Commission, results for 297 seats have been declared so far. BNP candidates have won 209 seats, while the party is also leading in two constituencies where results are currently suspended.BNP allies have secured three additional seats, taking the BNP-led alliance’s total to 212 seats. In comparison, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has won 68 seats, while its allies in the 11-party alliance have secured nine more, bringing their total to 77 seats. The Election Commission has already issued the official gazette notification for the elected Members of Parliament, according to Prothom Alo.Preparations for the formation of the new government are now under way. The new cabinet is expected to be sworn in within the next three to four days, with the Cabinet Division completing all necessary arrangements.The oath-taking ceremony will be held at Bangabhaban and administered by President Mohammed Shahabuddin, as per constitutional provisions.Cabinet secretary Sheikh Abdur Rashid said, “We hope the oath-taking ceremony will be held within the next three days, or at most four days.” He added that preparations were complete and the ceremony could be held even sooner if required.Officials said arrangements have been made to host around 1,000 guests at the ceremony.The developments come amid 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 strong bilateral ties.In a post on X, Prime Minister Modi said, “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.”
