Om Birla, Misri To Attend Bangladesh PM Swearing In Ceremony

An invitation was extended to Modi on Saturday evening. The government has decided to send the Speaker and the foreign secretary as part of efforts to engage with the new dispensation in Dhaka.

After the announcement of the election results, Modi congratulated Rahman on the BNP’s victory. “I convey my warm congratulations to Tarique Rahman on leading BNP to a decisive victory in the Parliamentary elections in Bangladesh. This victory shows the trust of the people of Bangladesh in your leadership. India will continue to stand in support of a democratic, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh. I look forward to working with you to strengthen our multifaceted relations and advance our common development goals,” he said.

Bangladesh’s interim government invited representatives from 13 countries, including India, to attend the ceremony. Other invitees include China, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, the UAE, Qatar, Malaysia, Brunei, Sri Lanka, Nepal, the Maldives and Bhutan.

BNP foreign policy adviser Humayun Kabir described the outreach as a “goodwill gesture” and said regional diplomacy would be a priority. “The region is important to us. It is an important part of foreign policy of Tarique Rahman (to make) this region (an) influential region,” he said.

Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin will administer the oath to Rahman and his cabinet at the South Plaza of the National Parliament complex. The swearing-in of Members of Parliament will follow, as mandated by the Constitution.

A BNP aide said procedural issues had arisen as the previous Speaker had resigned and the Deputy Speaker is in jail. He said the Constitution provides for the President to appoint a person to administer the oath in such circumstances.

Kabir said Bangladesh seeks to engage with India on the basis of current political realities and urged recognition of the change in government. He also called on India to ensure that its territory is not used in a manner that could affect stability in Bangladesh.

External affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India remains committed to peace, democracy, inclusion and stability in Bangladesh and will continue to engage constructively with all stakeholders.