The February 12 elections delivered a landslide for BNP, clinching 209 seats from declared results, plus leads in Chittagong-2 and Chittagong-4. Jamaat-e-Islami grabbed 68, with coalition partners adding more. This outcome ousts the interim setup under Muhammad Yunus and signals a conservative resurgence.

Spotlight falls on star invitees: Bhutan’s PM Tshering Tobgay, India’s Om Birla, Pakistan’s Ahsan Iqbal, Nepal’s Balanand Sharma, Sri Lanka’s Nalinda Jayatissa, UK’s Seema Malhotra, and possibly Maldives’ Mohamed Muizzu. Diplomatic invitations went out widely, though not all have confirmed.

New Delhi officially endorsed Birla’s attendance via MEA, praising the ‘enduring bond’ with Bangladesh. ‘This reflects India’s commitment to democratic ideals linking our peoples,’ it noted, welcoming Rahman’s ‘vision endorsed by the masses.’

Behind the scenes, the Parliament Secretariat hustles to ready the unconventional outdoor venue. Historically held indoors, this shift adds pomp. Bangladesh hasn’t had a male PM in 35 years—a milestone if Rahman takes the helm.

But optimism tempers with caution. Analysts flag escalating instability and radical Islam as key hurdles, legacies from Yunus’s interim rule. With South Asian neighbors and global powers converging, the ceremony spotlights Bangladesh’s pivot toward stability or strife.

Professor Muhammad Yunus, heading the interim setup, has called upon heads of state from China, Saudi Arabia, India, Pakistan, Turkey, the UAE, Qatar, Malaysia, Brunei, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Maldives, and Bhutan. This high-profile gathering highlights the ceremony’s diplomatic weight.

Morning proceedings at the Jatiya Sangsad will see 297 freshly elected members take oaths, led by Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin. The evening slot is reserved for cabinet inductions. Sources from the interim advisor’s office, law ministry, and BNP have verified details to Prothom Alo.

Polling occurred on February 12 for 299 seats, with official notifications issued Friday night post high court interventions on two Chittagong constituencies. BNP dominated with 209 seats, leading in the withheld ones too. Jamaat-e-Islami follows with 68, its 11-party alliance at nine, plus one from Islamic Andolan Bangladesh and seven independents.

Tarique Rahman emerges as the key figure ready to lead, bringing a male premier back after 35 years—a rarity in recent history. However, analysts warn of brewing instability and Islamist radicalization as pressing threats. The new regime’s success will hinge on tackling these head-on while consolidating power and mending international ties.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh are scheduled to grace the occasion. Several chief ministers from NDA-governed states, including Andhra Pradesh’s Chandrababu Naidu, Maharashtra’s Eknath Shinde, and Odisha’s Mohan Charan Majhi, will also be present to witness this milestone.

Enduring Political Powerhouse

At 74, Nitish Kumar has once again demonstrated his strong political influence by leading the Janata Dal (United) and the wider NDA alliance to a significant electoral triumph. This victory solidifies his position despite previous speculations about his political trajectory. Following the election results, Kumar was unanimously elected as the leader of the NDA legislature party. This decision was made during a meeting involving MLAs from all five constituent parties: BJP, JDU, LJP(RV), HAM(S), and RLM. Subsequently, they formally staked their claim to form the government with Governor Arif Mohammad Khan.

Cabinet Selections Underway

Considerable attention is focused on the selection of cabinet ministers, particularly the deputy chief minister roles. Outgoing deputy chief ministers Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha, who were elected as the leader and deputy leader of the BJP legislature party, are widely expected to retain their positions. Mangal Pandey from the BJP is also a strong contender for a deputy CM role.

Reports suggest that many outgoing ministers will likely be reappointed. From the BJP’s allocated ministerial berths, names like Nitin Nabin, Mangal Pandey, Nitish Mishra, and Sanjay Saraogi are frequently mentioned for potential returns. The JD(U) is expected to see Vijay Kumar Chaudhary, Lacy Singh, and Shravan Kumar continue in their ministerial capacities. Cabinet positions will also be allocated to representatives from the three smaller allied parties, reflecting the coalition’s strength.