Tarique Rahman Sworn In as Prime Minister of Bangladesh

DHAKA: Following his party’s landslide victory in the parliamentary elections, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader Tarique Rahman was sworn in as Prime Minister on Tuesday, marking a transformative shift in the nation’s political landscape.

The 60-year-old leader—son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and the late President Ziaur Rahman—assumes office following a period of intense turmoil. This transition follows the 2024 Gen Z-led uprising that overthrew Sheikh Hasina’s government, ending the tenure of the interim administration led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus. Rahman now faces the daunting tasks of restoring political stability, regaining investor confidence, and reviving critical industries, most notably the garment sector.

In a departure from tradition, the swearing-in ceremony was held outdoors at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban (National Parliament House), rather than the customary Bangabhaban (Presidential Palace). Under the supervision of President Mohammed Shahabuddin, Rahman and his cabinet took their oaths before an audience of prominent political figures, civil and military authorities, and diplomats from various nations, including China, India, and Pakistan.

After nearly two decades out of power, the BNP secured a commanding two-thirds majority. Meanwhile, Jamaat-e-Islami achieved a record 68 seats in its first election since the lifting of a ban imposed during the Hasina era. Conversely, Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League was barred from the polls after the Election Commission canceled its registration. The opposition will now be composed of Jamaat and its affiliates, alongside the National Citizen Party—a group founded by the youth activists who spearheaded the 2024 uprising.

Rahman’s ascent marks the culmination of a tumultuous political journey. He returned to Bangladesh last year after 17 years of self-imposed exile in London, arriving shortly before the passing of his mother. While his career has been shadowed by corruption allegations—which he consistently denies—his return successfully galvanized the BNP’s base and redefined the party’s trajectory.

In his first address following the election, Rahman prioritized national stability, stating: “Peace, law, and order must be maintained at any cost.” He issued a stern warning to his supporters to refrain from reprisals, adding, “We will not tolerate any form of chaos.”