Top South Asian dignitaries to attend cabinet oath ceremony

Top leaders and high-level representatives across South Asia are set to attend the swearing-in ceremony of the newly elected government led by BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Tuesday (February 17) at the National Parliament in Dhaka.

The participation is being viewed as a sign of regional support for the new administration.

Maldives: President Mohamed Muizzu arrived in Dhaka in the morning and was received at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport by Foreign Affairs Adviser M. Touhid Hossain. The Maldives High Commission said the visit reflects the close bilateral ties between Dhaka and Malé and a shared interest in strengthening cooperation.

Bhutan: Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay is attending the ceremony at the invitation of the Bangladesh government. The Bhutanese Embassy described the visit as a reaffirmation of enduring friendship and continued support.

India: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla is representing India at the event, according to India’s Ministry of External Affairs. The ministry said his participation underscores the deep-rooted ties and shared democratic values between the two countries. India has already welcomed the political transition under Tarique Rahman’s leadership.

Pakistan: Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal is attending as Pakistan’s representative. He was received in Dhaka by senior officials of Bangladesh’s Foreign Ministry and Pakistan’s High Commissioner. Islamabad said the visit reflects a commitment to strengthening bilateral relations.

Nepal: Foreign Minister Bala Nanda Sharma arrived in Dhaka to attend the ceremony, welcomed by Foreign Ministry Secretary Dr. Md. Nazrul Islam and Nepal’s Ambassador Ghanshyam Bhandari. The visit highlights longstanding friendly relations between the two nations.

Sri Lanka: Health and Mass Media Minister Nalinda Jayatissa is representing Colombo. Sri Lanka’s Foreign Ministry said his presence reflects the cordial bilateral relationship with Bangladesh.

The ceremony is expected to draw significant regional attention as the new government formally assumes office.