Indian Speaker joins global leaders for Dhaka ceremony
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla landed in Dhaka on Tuesday, marking a significant moment in regional diplomacy. He is in the capital to represent India at the highly anticipated swearing-in ceremony of Tarique Rahman, the Chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), who is set to lead the country’s new government.
Upon touching down at the airport, the Indian dignitary was warmly welcomed by Bangladesh Foreign Ministry Secretary Nazrul Islam. Officials from the High Commission of India were also present to receive the Speaker. This visit highlights New Delhi’s intent to maintain robust diplomatic channels as Dhaka undergoes a major political transition.
The Ministry of External Affairs described Birla's participation as a testament to the "deep and enduring friendship" shared between the people of both nations. The statement further emphasized India's unwavering commitment to the democratic values that serve as a common bond for the two neighbours.
The event at Parliament Bhawan heralds a "new dawn" for Bangladesh. Tarique Rahman, son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, is taking the reins after his party secured a massive mandate in the February 12 general elections. The BNP-led alliance won a commanding 212 seats in the 300-seat parliament, cementing a landslide victory. This moment is particularly poignant as Rahman returns to power following a 17-year exile.
International support for the new administration was visible as Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay also arrived in Dhaka for the ceremony. He was received at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport by Foreign Adviser Mohammad Touhid Hossain.
Domestic expectations are high. Jamaat-e-Islami has emerged as the primary opposition with 77 seats, but the focus remains on the BNP's promise of change. Student leaders and activists are expressing optimism about moving away from the political turbulence seen during the 2024 ouster of Sheikh Hasina.
A Convener of the Jatiyo Chhatra Samaj voiced this hope, stating that the new government represents a break from the "fascist culture" of the past. "Everything will be changed, and we will see a new Bangladesh," he remarked, anticipating a governance model focused on the true interests of the people.
With Inputs and Image: ANI
