Modi Invites Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman to Visit India as Om Birla Attends Swearing-in Ceremony in Dhaka

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has invited Bangladesh’s newly sworn-in Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to visit India at the earliest convenience, along with his wife Dr Zubaida Rahman and daughter Zaima. The invitation was conveyed through a personal letter from Modi, handed over by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to Rahman during the new government’s swearing-in ceremony in Dhaka on February 17, 2026.

The ceremony, held at Bangladesh’s national parliament, marked the official assumption of office by Tarique Rahman as Prime Minister following the Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s (BNP) landslide victory in the February 12 parliamentary elections. Prime Minister Modi could not attend the ceremony personally as he was scheduled to meet French President Emmanuel Macron in Mumbai on the same day.

In the state invitation letter, Modi wrote “I take this opportunity to invite you, along with Dr. Zubaida Rahman and your daughter Zaima, on a visit to India at a mutually convenient time. A warm welcome awaits you in India.” He also expressed hope for stronger bilateral ties,saying “I look forward to working closely with you to strengthen our multifaceted bilateral relations, enhance regional cooperation, and advance our common goals in wide-ranging areas of connectivity, trade, technology, education, skill development, energy, healthcare, as well as cultural and people-to-people exchanges.”

Modi congratulated Rahman on his appointment and the BNP’s success. “I extend my warmest congratulations to you on the victory of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party at the just concluded parliamentary elections in Bangladesh and on your appointment as the next Prime Minister of Bangladesh. I wish you every success as you assume the high responsibilities of this office.”

Modi became the first world leader to publicly acknowledge the BNP’s win. In a post on X, he wrote “I convey my warm congratulations to Mr. Tarique Rahman on leading BNP to a decisive victory in the Parliamentary elections in Bangladesh. This victory shows the trust of the people of Bangladesh in your leadership. India will continue to stand in support of a democratic, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh.”

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge also congratulated Rahman and the BNP. He highlighted the shared heritage between the two countries, stating: “India and Bangladesh share deep rooted bonds of history, language, culture, and multitude of other commonalities. A democratic, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh would always be supported by all Indians for the stability and peace of our region.”

On arrival in Dhaka, Speaker Om Birla described the occasion as a significant milestone. “Honoured to be in Dhaka representing India at the swearing-in ceremony of the new government led by Tarique Rahman as the prime minister,” he said. “It’s an important moment that will strengthen people-to-people ties and shared democratic values between our two nations.” Birla was accompanied by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and other senior officials.

After the event, Birla shared his thoughts on X saying “Glad to attend the swearing-in ceremony of the new Government of Bangladesh in Dhaka today. I extended warm congratulations on behalf of the people of India and reaffirmed our commitment to deepening the enduring partnership between our two neighbouring countries.”

The Ministry of External Affairs had announced on February 15 that Birla would represent India at the ceremony. The statement emphasised that “the Hon’ble Speaker’s participation at this important event underscores the deep and enduring friendship between the peoples of India and Bangladesh, reaffirming India’s steadfast commitment to the democratic values that bind our two nations.”

The Bangladesh parliamentary elections were held on February 12, 2026, with results announced on February 13. Led by Tarique Rahman, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) secured a two-thirds majority, winning 209 seats with 49.97 per cent of the votes. Jamaat-e-Islami recorded its best performance to date with 31.76 per cent votes and 68 seats. The National Citizen Party (NCP) finished third with six seats and 3.05 per cent votes.

Tarique Rahman was sworn in as Prime Minister on February 17 by President Mohammed Shahabuddin, marking the formation of Bangladesh’s first elected government following the collapse of Sheikh Haseena’s regime in 2024 and she fled to India 

The invitation from Prime Minister Modi and the attendance of Speaker Birla at the ceremony highlight India’s strong interest in building positive and constructive ties with the new government in neighbouring Bangladesh.