Bangladesh reaches out to neighbours for historic political transition
In a significant diplomatic development, Bangladesh has formally extended an invitation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister-elect Tarique Rahman. The leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is scheduled to take his oath of office on February 17, marking a historic return to power for his party after a two-decade hiatus.
While New Delhi has received the invitation from the interim government led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, there is no official confirmation yet regarding PM Modi’s attendance. This potential visit is being watched closely as both nations navigate a complex reset in bilateral ties following the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina last year.
Sweeping Victory and a Fresh Start
Tarique Rahman, who returned from 17 years of self-imposed exile in London, led the BNP to a commanding landslide victory. His party secured 209 out of 297 seats in the recent national election, while the right-wing Jamaat-e-Islami won 68 seats. The polls, which saw a voter turnout of nearly 60 per cent, were notably held without the participation of the Awami League.
Diplomatic Outreach
India is one of 13 nations invited to witness this power transition. The guest list includes regional heavyweights and global partners such as China, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, the UAE, and Malaysia. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is reportedly expected to attend the event in Dhaka.
Following the election results, PM Modi engaged in a telephone conversation with Rahman, reaffirming India’s commitment to the "peace, progress, and prosperity" of both nations. In a social media statement, PM Modi emphasised the deep-rooted cultural and historical bonds shared by the two neighbours.
Future Relations
Rahman has signaled a pragmatic approach to foreign policy, stating that Bangladesh’s national interests will be the priority. He has expressed a desire to maintain balanced relations with key regional powers, including India, China, and Pakistan, asserting that he views no country as a "master."
The BNP has also reciprocated Modi’s sentiments, expressing eagerness for constructive engagement guided by mutual respect. However, the shadow of former PM Sheikh Hasina remains a delicate issue. Currently residing in India after fleeing massive protests, Hasina faces a death sentence back home, with Dhaka actively seeking her deportation.
With Inputs from: Public Domain, Imgae Source: Asianet Newsable
