Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to represent India at Tarique Rahaman's swearing-in ceremony in Bangladesh
PTC News Desk: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will attend the swearing-in ceremony of Bangladesh Prime Minister-elect and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chief Tarique Rahman in Dhaka on February 17, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Sunday. He is likely to be accompanied by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri.
In a statement, the MEA said Birla’s presence reflects the longstanding and close ties between India and Bangladesh. It added that as neighbouring countries linked by shared history, culture and mutual respect, India welcomes Bangladesh’s transition to an elected government under Rahman’s leadership, which has received a strong public mandate.
The announcement comes after Bangladesh invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the oath-taking ceremony. The BNP said several regional leaders have also been invited to the event in Dhaka. Invitations have reportedly been sent to China, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Malaysia, Brunei, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Maldives and Bhutan.
Relations between India and Bangladesh had become strained after former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was removed from office following the July 2024 uprising. Hasina later took refuge in India, and Dhaka has repeatedly sought her extradition. Reports of violence against minorities, particularly Hindus, have further added to tensions in bilateral ties.
However, Rahman’s administration is expected to seek improved relations with India, though BNP adviser Humayun Kabir said the responsibility for repairing ties rests with New Delhi. He also reiterated that Hasina, whom he described as a “terrorist,” should be extradited to Bangladesh.
- With inputs from agencies
