South Asian leaders to join Tarique Rahman’s swearing-in ceremony

Senior leaders and high-level representatives from South Asian countries are set to attend the oath-taking ceremony of Bangladesh’s newly elected government led by BNP Chairman and Prime Minister-elect Tarique Rahman today, signalling strong regional engagement with Dhaka’s new administration.

The swearing-in ceremony, to be held at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban in the capital, has drawn prominent dignitaries from neighbouring nations, reflecting Bangladesh’s strategic importance in the region and expectations of continued cooperation under the new government.

Maldives

President Mohamed Muizzu arrived in Dhaka earlier in the day to attend the ceremony.

He was received at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport by Foreign Adviser M Touhid Hossain.

According to the Maldivian High Commission in Dhaka, his visit underscores the close and friendly ties between Dhaka and Malé and highlights the Maldives’ interest in strengthening relations with the new administration.

Bhutan

Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay will attend the ceremony at the invitation of the Government of Bangladesh.

In a statement, the Bhutanese Embassy said the visit reflects Bhutan’s continued support and longstanding friendship with Bangladesh, founded on mutual trust and respect. It described the visit as a reaffirmation of strong bilateral cooperation.

India

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will represent New Delhi at the ceremony.

A press release from India’s Ministry of External Affairs said his participation highlights the deep and enduring ties between the peoples of the two countries and reaffirms India’s commitment to shared democratic values. India also welcomed Bangladesh’s transition to an elected government under Tarique Rahman’s leadership.

Pakistan

Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal Chaudhary will represent Islamabad at the event.

He was received by senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the High Commissioner of Pakistan in Dhaka. The Pakistan High Commission said his visit reflects Islamabad’s intention to strengthen bilateral relations.

Nepal

Foreign Minister Bala Nanda Sharma also arrived in Dhaka to attend the ceremony.

He was welcomed at the airport by Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr Md Nazrul Islam and Nepal’s Ambassador to Bangladesh Ghanashyam Bhandari, reflecting the cordial and longstanding ties between the two nations.

Sri Lanka

Minister of Health and Mass Media Nalinda Jayatissa will represent Colombo at the swearing-in ceremony.

Sri Lanka’s foreign ministry said his participation demonstrates the friendly bilateral relations between the two countries.

The presence of regional leaders and senior representatives underscores South Asia’s collective interest in Bangladesh’s political transition and signals readiness to deepen cooperation with the government led by Prime Minister-elect Tarique Rahman.