South Asian leaders to attend swearing-in of new government in Dhaka

High-level representatives from six South Asian countries are set to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Bangladesh’s newly elected government following the 13th National Parliamentary Election.

The ceremony will be held on Tuesday (February 17) at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and diplomatic sources, India will be represented by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal is also expected to attend.

Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, Nepal’s Foreign Minister Bala Nanda Sharma and Sri Lanka’s Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa are scheduled to join the event as well.

Diplomatic sources indicated that Maldives Foreign Minister Abdulla Khaleel may be replaced at the last moment by President Mohamed Muizzu, who could attend the ceremony instead.

Additionally to South Asian representatives, delegates from Western countries are also expected. UK Minister of State for the Indo-Pacific Seema Malhotra has confirmed her participation.

Earlier on Saturday, Chief Adviser of the interim government Dr. Muhammad Yunus invited the heads of government of 13 countries, including China, India and Pakistan, to attend the swearing-in ceremony.

President Mohammad Shahabuddin will administer the oath to the new cabinet. Newly elected Members of Parliament are scheduled to take their oath earlier the same day.