Tarique Rahman Sworn In as Bangladesh Enters New Era

AFP/APP

Dhaka: Bangladesh’s prime minister-designate Tarique Rahman and newly elected lawmakers were sworn into parliament on Tuesday, marking the first elected government since the 2024 uprising that ousted former premier Sheikh Hasina.

Rahman, 60, chief of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), is set to formally assume office after his party’s lawmakers elect him as their parliamentary leader. President Mohammed Shahabuddin is expected to administer the oath of office to the prime minister and his cabinet later in the day.

The swearing-in ceremony was conducted by Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin, with lawmakers pledging loyalty to Bangladesh.

Rahman’s BNP-led coalition secured a landslide victory in the February 12 elections, winning 212 seats in parliament. The Jamaat-e-Islami-led alliance captured 77 seats, with Jamaat significantly increasing its representation. However, Jamaat has challenged results in 32 constituencies.

In his victory speech, Rahman described the outcome as “a victory for Bangladesh and for democracy,” paying tribute to those who had struggled for democratic governance. He also cautioned that the country faces significant challenges, including economic fragility, weakened institutions, and a deteriorating law and order situation.

Bangladesh, a nation of 170 million and the world’s second-largest garment exporter, has experienced months of political turmoil that unsettled investor confidence. Rahman pledged to restore stability, revive economic growth, and foster unity in a country deeply polarized by years of rivalry.

Rahman’s rise marks a dramatic political comeback. He returned to Bangladesh in December after 17 years in exile in Britain.

Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League was barred from contesting the election. Hasina, 78, who was sentenced to death in absentia for crimes against humanity, issued a statement from India calling the polls “illegal.” India, however, welcomed the BNP’s decisive win, signaling a shift in diplomatic dynamics.

Only seven women were directly elected to parliament, though an additional 50 reserved seats for women will be allocated proportionally. Four members of minority communities won seats, including two from the Hindu community, which makes up about seven percent of the Muslim-majority country.

Despite pre-election tensions, voting day passed without major unrest, and the country has so far responded to the results with relative calm.

Analysts say economic performance will be key to the new government’s success. “If the BNP can do a good job with the economy, it will make everything else easier,” Crisis Group analyst Thomas Kean said, noting that economic stability could help address broader governance challenges.

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