World leaders congratulate PM Tarique Rahman

Leaders across the world have extended their greetings and congratulated Tarique Rahman on assuming office as the 13th Prime Minister of Bangladesh.

They also expressed their willingness to work closely with his government to further strengthen bilateral ties.

In separate messages, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi extended their congratulations and conveyed best wishes for his tenure.

In his letter, Narendra Modi described the Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s victory in the recent parliamentary elections as a reflection of the trust and confidence placed in Tarique Rahman by the people of Bangladesh. He highlighted the shared history, cultural bonds and mutual development priorities between the two neighbouring countries, expressing optimism about deeper cooperation in connectivity, trade, technology, education, energy and healthcare. Modi also invited the new prime minister to visit India at a mutually convenient time.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang underscored the long-standing friendly relations and comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between China and Bangladesh. Referring to 51 years of diplomatic ties, he said the two countries have advanced cooperation on the basis of mutual respect and mutual benefit. He expressed readiness to work with Tarique Rahman to elevate bilateral relations to a new level, including through high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and expanded exchanges across sectors.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi termed Bangladesh a close friend and important partner of Japan. She welcomed the continued progress of Bangladesh’s democratic process and voiced hope for further strengthening bilateral ties based on the existing strategic partnership.

The swearing-in ceremony of the new cabinet was held at the premises of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban in Dhaka, attended by high-level foreign dignitaries. Among them were Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay and India’s Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, along with ministers and senior officials from several countries.

Following the swearing-in ceremony on Tuesday, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu held a meeting with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. The two leaders discussed expanding cooperation in trade and investment, healthcare, environmental collaboration, higher education and enhanced air connectivity.

Later, Om Birla handed over a personal letter from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Tarique Rahman, reiterating India’s congratulations and the invitation for an official visit. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further deepening the long-standing partnership between the two neighbouring nations.

Tarique Rahman, son of the late President Ziaur Rahman and the late Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, has become Bangladesh’s new Prime Minister following a landslide victory by his party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), which secured 209 seats in the 13th Jatiya Sangsad elections held on February 12.

The main opposition, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, won just 68 of the 299 seats.