New Delhi, Feb 15: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will represent India at the swearing-in ceremony of Bangladesh’s next Prime Minister, Tarique Rahman, on February 17, officials said on Sunday.
The announcement comes after Bangladesh invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several other regional leaders to attend the swearing-in ceremony. Since PM Modi is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with French President Emmanuel Macron in Mumbai on February 17, an official statement from the Ministry of External Affairs stated that Birla will represent the Government of India at the ceremony.
The MEA said that Speaker Birla’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.”
“As neighbours united by a shared history, culture, and mutual respect, India welcomes Bangladesh’s transition to an elected government under the leadership of H.E. Mr. Tarique Rahman, whose vision and values have received an overwhelming mandate of the people,” the statement added.
Earlier in a phone conversation with Rahman on Friday, PM Modi congratulated the BNP leader on his party’s victory in the Bangladesh parliamentary election.
“I conveyed my best wishes and support in his endeavour to fulfil the aspirations of the people of Bangladesh,” Modi said after the call. “As two close neighbours with deep-rooted historical and cultural ties, I reaffirmed India’s continued commitment to the peace, progress, and prosperity of both our peoples,” he said.
BNP also thanked PM Modi for his congratulatory message following the party’s victory. In a post on X, it said, “Thank you very much, Honourable @narendramodi. We greatly appreciate your kind acknowledgement of Tarique Rahman’s leadership in securing the BNP’s decisive win in the national elections.”
“This outcome reflects the trust and confidence the people of Bangladesh have placed in our leadership and in the democratic process. Bangladesh remains committed to upholding democratic values, inclusivity, and progressive development for all its citizens. We look forward to engaging constructively with India to advance our multifaceted relationship, guided by mutual respect, sensitivity to each other’s concerns, and a shared commitment to peace, stability, and prosperity in our region,” the BNP said.
