Indian Lok Sabha Speaker to attend new govt's oath taking ceremony

Shri Om Birla, Speaker of the Lok Sabha, will represent the Government of India at the swearing-in ceremony of the newly elected government of Bangladesh led by Tarique Rahman, Chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), in Dhaka on February 17, 2026.

According to an official statement issued on February 15, the Speaker's participation at this important event underscores 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 the two neighbouring countries united by a shared history, culture and mutual respect, India welcomes Bangladesh's transition to an elected government under the leadership of Tarique Rahman, whose vision and values have received an overwhelming mandate of the people, the statement added.

Sources said, Indian prime minister Narendra Modi has received the invitation sent by Dhaka. Sources also informed that Narendra Modi is unable to visit Dhaka due to his pre-scheduled programme of attending the 'India-AI Impact Summit' organised in Delhi and Mumbai. World leaders from nearly 20 countries will participate in that summit, including French president Emmanuel Macron, Brazilian president Lula da Silva, Dutch prime minister Dick Schoof, and UAE crown prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

According to experts, New Delhi's representation at this level conveys the message of maintaining diplomatic engagement with the new government.