After two decades on the sidelines, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is poised to form the government in the South Asian nation. Tuesday’s oath-taking by BNP’s elected MPs will culminate in the appointment of a new prime minister, reshaping the political landscape.
Local reports indicate the cabinet induction will unfold at Parliament Building’s South Plaza at 4:00 PM, rather than the usual Presidential Palace. Organizers chose this site to pay tribute to victims of the deadly July 2024 anti-government protests, blending ceremony with commemoration.
The day kicks off at 10:00 AM when all 297 MPs swear allegiance under Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin. Post-oath, they’ll integrate into the Constitutional Reform Council, setting the stage for sweeping changes.
Under Tarique Rahman’s leadership, BNP dominated the February 12 elections, capturing 209 of 297 declared seats. They’re ahead in two contested Chattogram areas pending court clearance, while partners hold three more, forming a solid majority.
The event draws global attention, with 1,200 guests including Bhutan’s PM Tshering Tobgay, India’s Om Birla, Pakistan’s Ahsan Iqbal, Nepal’s Balananda Sharma, Sri Lanka’s Nalinda Jayatissa, UK’s Seema Malhotra, and Maldives’ Mohamed Muizzu.
Elections covered 299 seats, with results announced swiftly on February 13. High Court interventions delayed two notifications, but BNP’s landslide victory is undisputed.
For Bangladesh, this is more than a power transition—it’s a democratic revival, offering hope for economic recovery, institutional strengthening, and inclusive governance amid regional dynamics.