In a dramatic turn for Bangladeshi politics, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has swept the 13th national polls, setting the stage for its government formation. The swearing-in of MPs and the new cabinet is locked in for February 17, with invitations dispatched to 13 foreign dignitaries.
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.