Tarique Rahman sworn in as Bangladesh Prime Minister after BNP’s landslide win

Rahman pledges unity amid economic and governance challenges

February 17, 2026

Rahman replaces Yunus as PM following decisive BNP win

BNP secures majority in 13th parliamentary polls; Rahman replaces interim chief Muhammad Yunus

In a major political transition, Tarique Rahman was sworn in as Bangladesh’s Prime Minister on Tuesday at the National Parliament complex in Dhaka, following a sweeping victory by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in the 13th Parliamentary Elections.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin administered the oath of office to Rahman and members of his initial cabinet at a ceremony attended by nearly 1,200 guests at the South Plaza of the Parliament complex.

BNP secured 209 out of 297 seats in the elections held on February 12, while Jamaat-e-Islami won 68 seats. The Awami League, led by former premier Sheikh Hasina, was barred from contesting the polls.

Parliamentary process and cabinet formation

Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin administered the oath to all newly elected lawmakers of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad. Following constitutional procedures, BNP lawmakers elected Rahman as their parliamentary leader, paving the way for the President to formally invite him to form the government.

BNP’s 25 elected MPs were sworn in as ministers, while 24 others took oath as state ministers. A parliamentary party meeting was convened to finalise leadership positions.

Replacing Muhammad Yunus

Rahman replaces outgoing interim government chief Muhammad Yunus, who assumed charge in August 2024 after the collapse of the Awami League government amid widespread anti-government protests.

Rahman, son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and BNP founder Ziaur Rahman, returned to Bangladesh two months ago after 17 years in self-exile in London. This marks his first time holding public office.

Outreach and national unity call

Following the election results, Rahman met leaders across the political spectrum, including Jamaat-e-Islami chief Shafiqur Rahman and National Citizen Party convener Nahid Islam, emphasising reconciliation.

In his post-election remarks, Rahman called for “national unity” and warned that divisiveness would weaken democratic institutions. He acknowledged challenges including economic fragility, institutional weakness and concerns over law and order.

India’s representation

Om Birla represented India at the swearing-in ceremony, accompanied by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri.

Rahman’s ascent marks a pivotal moment in Bangladesh’s political landscape, with regional observers closely watching the direction of Dhaka’s foreign and domestic policy under the new leadership.

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