Modi unlikely to attend Tarique Rahman’s swearing-in

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is unlikely to attend the swearing-in ceremony of BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman as Bangladesh’s next prime minister, according to Indian media reports.

Tarique, whose Bangladesh Nationalist Party secured a landslide victory in the 13th National Parliament election, is scheduled to take oath on Tuesday (February 17). Invitations have been extended to several heads of state and government, including the Indian premier.

However, Hindustan Times reported that Modi may not be able to attend due to a prior engagement with French President Emmanuel Macron, who will be on an official visit to India. Modi and Macron are scheduled to meet in Mumbai on February 17, after which the French leader will travel to New Delhi to attend the AI Impact Summit. Macron is expected to remain in India until February 19.

The report said a high-level Indian representative—possibly the vice-president or external affairs minister—may attend the Dhaka ceremony in Modi’s place.

Earlier on Feb 13, Modi congratulated Tarique Rahman on his party’s electoral victory, describing it as a reflection of the Bangladeshi people’s trust in his leadership. He also expressed hope for further strengthening bilateral ties and cooperation in shared development goals.

The BNP has thanked the Indian prime minister for his congratulatory message.